Ajinkya Rahane starred 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, Rahane made the mockery of MI's bowling attack, notching up his half-century in just 19 balls – the fastest of this year’s IPL so far. The right-hander was involved in a partnership of 82 runs for the second wicket with Ruturaj Gaikwad.
While Piyush Chawla dismissed Rahane for 61 off 27 balls in the eighth over, the latter by then put his team on the verge of victory, which was eventually sealed by Gaikwad (40*) and Ambati Rayudu (20*) in 18.1 overs.
After the game, CSK skipper MS Dhoni was asked about including Rahane in the set-up and what were the expectations from him ahead of the season.
Dhoni opened up on Rahane's role and added that he wanted the batter to enjoy his game in the IPL.
"Me and Jinx spoke at the beginning when we started practicing for CSK. He was simple asking 'what you are looking from me?' Whatever I had in me I told him you need to play at your strength. You won't be somebody who will be consistently hitting sixes but you have the ability to manipulate the field, use the pace of the bowler and he is technically very sound," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
"I said go and enjoy because that's what is needed. Don't take too much stress. Yes we are not able to give you the first game but when the chance comes, we'll back you and I was very happy the way he batted. I think he was a bit disappointed the way he got out which is always a good signal when a player says I could have done slightly more," he added.
Earlier, MI posted 157/7 on the board with notable contributions from Ishan Kishan (32), Tim David (31), and Tilak Varma (22).
Ravindra Jadeja was the stand-out bowler for CSK, claiming three wickets by conceding 20 runs in his four overs. Mitchell Santner (2-28) and Tushar Deshpande (2-31) also returned with a couple of scalps.
Asked about Deshpande, who failed to make a mark in CSK’s first two outings in the IPL 2023, Dhoni said he had faith in the youngster’s immense potential.
"We believe in him (Tushar Deshpande). We are constantly talking to him about what needs to be done. He is very good with execution but in the last couple of games he had bowled no balls and that's not a very good feeling to have at the back of your bowling mark. That's something that you don't want to have in your mind. I feel he's improving. The delivery that Rohit got out to was a fantastic delivery so he has that potential, he can be much more consistent," the CSK captain concluded.
