IPL 2023: “When You Play Under Mahi Bhai, You Get an Opportunity to Learn a Lot” – Ajinkya Rahane

Veteran Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ajinkya Rahane has referred to getting a chance to play consistently for a franchise as a turning point in his batting in the ongoing IPL. He also added that he had been preparing quite well and had even added some strokes to his armoury, but he was waiting for a chance to showcase his skill.

However, Ajinkya Rahane was the Player of the Match for his stunning 71* off 29 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, April 23. The veteran was at his destructive best, smashing six fours and five sixes as well. The veteran batter, whose presence in CSK’s IPL 2023 squad was questioned by many, has been in sublime form with the bat. He has scored 209 runs in five matches which came at an average of 52.25 and a strike rate of 199.05.

In a post-match conference following CSK’s 49-run win over KKR, Ajinkya Rahane was asked about the turning point in his batting. He said:

“The turning point for me is the fact that I am getting a chance to play. If you see one or two years back, I was not getting a chance to play. If you can’t play consistently then how can you show the kind of shots that you have? You cannot. At CSK, I have been given a chance to play. I was very happy when CSK picked me.”

He continued: “When you play under Mahi bhai [MS Dhoni], you get an opportunity to learn a lot. As a player and as a batsman, you always try to improve and grow as a cricketer. My preparations were always right and I was working on adding shots to my repertoire. Because of the chance CSK gave me, I was able to demonstrate what shots I have in my arsenal.”

“It’s important to back your own style” – Ajinkya Rahane

Last year, Ajinkya Rahane was part of the KKR camp. He played seven matches, scoring only 133 which came at an average of 19 and a strike rate of 103.91. He was subsequently ruled out due to a hamstring injury as well.

It is also noteworthy that the standout feature of Rahane’s innings against KKR on Sunday was his strokeplay. He also hit a scoop in Suryakumar Yadav’s style. However, Rahane and Shivam Dube (50 off 21) added 85 runs for the third wicket as CSK posted a massive total of 235/4 after being asked to bat. Their bowlers then restricted KKR to 186/8.

“Everyone has a different style of how they play. For me, it is all about timing the ball and playing proper cricketing shots. It is all about just backing my game in the middle. It is really important rather than trying to copy someone else. There are power hitters who are also doing well, but it’s important to back your own style and method,” Ajinkya Rahane concluded.