In the high-pressure world of professional cricket, where every performance is dissected, how a player handles criticism can be as telling as their cover drive. Former Indian opener and explosive batter Virender Sehwag has offered some seasoned advice to Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane, urging composure in the face of scrutiny.

The conversation stems from Rahane's recent, pointed responses to questions about his batting strike rate and the bowling absence of Mumbai Indians' Cameron Green. After a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rahane defended his approach, stating critics "probably are not watching the game or have a certain agenda against me." Earlier, he had deflected a query about Green's role by suggesting the reporter ask Cricket Australia.

Sehwag, known for his straightforward style both on and off the pitch, believes such exchanges are unnecessary. He emphasized that part of a professional athlete's journey is learning to stay neutral amidst both praise and criticism. "Why is there a need to engage in such fights?" Sehwag questioned, suggesting the energy is better spent on the field.

To illustrate his point, Sehwag drew on iconic examples from Indian public life. He noted how legends like actor Amitabh Bachchan and cricket's own Sachin Tendulkar faced immense scrutiny—with one newspaper even infamously dubbing Tendulkar "Endulkar" during a lean patch—yet rarely felt compelled to publicly answer their critics.

Rahane's IPL 2026 campaign has been a mix of this very dynamism and debate. He announced his intent with a blistering 67 off 40 balls in the opener, showcasing the aggressive intent modern T20 cricket demands. However, his subsequent innings have brought the focus back to consistency, a challenge every athlete in the spotlight knows well. For fans and players alike, it's a reminder that the mental game is just as crucial as the physical one, requiring a balance of fire and focus.