A couple of days ago, Chennai Super Kings saw off a Mumbai challenge without breaking a sweat and thanks to Ajinkya Rahane who smashed a knock that would have no parallels in recent times from the seasoned Indian campaigner. He was absolutely destructive and the way he steered around the Mumbai bowlers to the ropes, it was an absolute treat for the eyes and that would also do a world of good for the CSK after a questionable 2022 season.
Talking about how MS Dhoni guided him to play that blitz, that he so effortlessly stitched together, he added, “When we were bowling, we got the idea of how the wicket was playing and how the ball was behaving. When you’re chasing 150 or 160, it’s important to bat with intent in the first six overs. If you get a good start, it becomes really easy. When I went in, it was all about playing my normal game, backing my strengths.”
Ajinkya Rahane explained the difference in his tactics during his battle with Mumbai Indians
He further said, “Every player is different. I don’t want to be someone else; I just want to be Ajinkya Rahane. The way I know how I play, my strengths, my timing. I just want to back myself. I’ve never tried to be someone else. It’s all about trying to remind myself that if I can just be Ajinkya Rahane and play like Ajinkya Rahane, I think I’ll be fine.”
Rahane continued, “The preparation we had as a team before IPL started… we came to Chennai on March 2. Mahi bhai Dhoni was there and the instructions from him were pretty simple: back your game, play to your strengths rather than trying to do something else. It’s all about knowing your game and, when you get an opportunity, just back that game.”
Ajinkya Rahane is a new rebel on the T20 blocks
He concluded by saying, “Mahi bhai’s instruction was completely clear, just play with intent, back yourself, don’t change anything else. If your intent is good, I have the shots that I can play at any ground so it was all about keeping it simple for me. I’m happy to bat anywhere. It’s all about your mindset and what you want to do for your team.”
