India batsman Ajinkya Rahane's transfer from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to Delhi Capitals (DC) was one of the talking points of IPL trade window last month.
Rahane was part of the Royals camp since 2011 with the exception of 2016 and 2017 editions when the team was suspended and he represented the now dysfunctional Rising Pune Supergiant. He is also Rajasthan’s highest run-maker with 3098 runs from 106 games at an average of 35.60 and a strike rate of 122.30.
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Despite being an integral member of the RR set up, the team management traded Rahane with DC in exchange for leg-spinners Mayank Markande and Rahul Tewatia.
During the IPL 2019, Ajinkya Rahane led Rajasthan in 8 matches, won just two of those games which forced the management to think for a fresh approach to bring their campaign back on track. Before their clash with Kolkata Knight Riders on April 25, the Royals removed Ajinkya from the leadership duties and appointed Steve Smith as their skipper for the remainder of the tournament.
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Rahane recently disclosed how the trade happened and whether it was his decision to move from RR after being replaced as captain.
“At that point I didn’t have anything like that in mind. Delhi Capitals wanted me to play for them and I felt there was an opportunity to learn and grow as player. I am thankful to Royals that they gave me an opportunity to play for them for so many years. Whatever happened midseason last year, yes it was disappointing,” the 31-year-old quoted.
“I have always believed that cricket is a team sport and you don’t lose because of one player’s mistake or win because of one player’s brilliant performance. If you want me to take the blame, okay fine. After that (captaincy) decision happened, I was sitting with a couple of close friends, but didn’t discuss captaincy at all. I decided I know how I should bat and will bat like that. I think aggression, the positive intent which is there in me, it all came out in the right manner that day (vs Capitals),” he added.
Rahane also spilled the beans on his chat with then Delhi Capitals advisor Sourav Ganguly during the World Cup in England.
“It was on the sidelines of India’s World Cup match at Southampton (Rahane played for local county Hampshire) that he asked if I would like to play for DC. I felt it could be an opportunity for me to learn something new as a player under a new coach, grow as a cricketer as we will play on a different wicket. I took some time to decide and said yes,” he remarked.
The Mumbaikar also admitted that Ganguly approaching him boosted his confidence big time.
“It was very important, when a person like Dada approaches you. It boosts your confidence and motivates you, you are aware that despite what had happened at Rajasthan Royals last year, he has approached you.”
“When a cricketer like him gives you importance and backs you, it gives you motivation. We have seen how as a captain he has backed and developed players. Emotionally, I felt good that a person like him has asked me to play for his team.”
