Virender Sehwag has advised players to avoid unnecessary confrontations in response to Ajinkya Rahane’s “jealousy” remark about critics during IPL 2026. The former India opener suggested that engaging in such exchanges serves little purpose, especially as scrutiny intensifies around Kolkata Knight Riders amid their winless start to the season.

Rahane, leading KKR through a difficult phase with back-to-back defeats, appeared visibly displeased when questioned about his strike rate in a press conference. His response, labelling critics as "jealous" drew attention for its sharp tone, marking a departure from his typically composed public persona.