Ajinkya Rahane played a key role in Chennai Super Kings’ title-winning campaign in LPI 2023. The batsman scored 326 runs in 14 matches at an average far better than his career hit rate of 123.42 in the IPL. He played a crucial innings in the final and scored 23 off 13 balls at a strike rate of 207.69.
The main feature of Ajinkya Rahane’s IPL 2023 campaign was his strike rate. He’s scored two 50s this season, both of which came in fewer than 30 deliveries. He scored 61 off 27 balls against Mumbai Indians and 71* off 29 balls against KKR.
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Speaking to PTI, CSK manager Stephen Fleming discussed Rahane’s campaign this season and discussed his transition as a T20 batsman. Fleming said Rahane did well because CSK took the ‘anchor’ load off the right-hander.
We got rid of Ajinkya Rahane’s tag that just hit: Stephen Fleming
“My understanding is that we got rid of the label of being the guy you hit or hit. I think maybe that hung too much over his (Rahane) head and didn’t allow him to be the player that he can be. And once that label was gone, when I got to the middle of preseason training, I saw a guy who was in terrific shape.” Fleming told PTI after the conclusion of IPL 2023.
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Ajinkya Rahane was not in our initial thoughts
Also, he talked about his innings against Mumbai Indians which made him a regular for CSK. He scored those runs at a healthy rate and, from there, he scored quick runs in every game he played.
“He wasn’t in our initial thoughts, but the game in Mumbai was really defining. It was one of our best wins in the tournament and he was the huge catalyst behind it, thus cementing that No. 3 ranking. He’s been unwavering the whole time, he’s been nothing but positive, his networks have been positive.” concluded Fleming.
Ajinkya Rahane was released by KKR ahead of the IPL 2023 auction after scoring just 133 runs in the IPL 2022 season with them. He was on and off the side as well. CSK tied up Rahane for 50 lakhs in the IPL 2023 mini-auction. He will now join the Indian team for the WTC final against Australia in the UK.
Also Read: IPL Final: “This Was Something Final…” – Mooen Ali Amazed After Winning IPL, Credits MS Dhoni For CSK’s Triumph
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