Ajinkya Rahane put on a show with the bat in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSL) seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday (April 8).

Chasing 158 to win, CSK lost Devon Conway in the very first over for a duck but Rahane took the MI attack to the cleaners while batting at No. 3. He slammed a half-century in just 19 balls – the fastest of this year’s IPL so far – and added 82 runs for the second wicket with Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Piyush Chawla broke the partnership by dismissing Rahane on 61 off 27 balls but the latter has put his team on the brink of victory, which was eventually sealed by Gaikwad (40*) and Ambati Rayudu (20*) in 18.1 overs.

After the game, Rahane revealed that he was not in the team’s plans originally but CSK learned about an illness to Moeen Ali on the matchday, which paved the way for his inclusion in the playing XI.

"I just got to know before the toss that I am playing. Unfortunately, Moeen was unwell. I had a good domestic season and was batting well in the nets. I was just trying to play good cricketing shots, and not slog it over. It is all about maintaining your shape. You want to prepare mentally well, IPL is a very long tournament, and it all about staying positive and knowing your game," Rahane said.

Ajinkya Rahane also expressed his desire to play a Test match at the Wankhede Stadium. He has represented India in 82 Tests so far but has not yet played one in front of his home crowd.

Notably, Rahane was dropped from the Indian Test side in 2022 and he has not managed to reclaim his place in the team yet.

"I always enjoy playing at Wankhede. I have never played a Test here. I would want to play a Test here. The important thing about Mahi bhai and Fleming is they give freedom to everyone. Mahi bhai told me to prepare well," he added.