Of course, when the openers provide a solid start like Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad do, it becomes relativity easy to carry on th momentum. But this is some batting from a classy stroke player who is as destructive as a power hitter when at his best.
There is no shortage of runs for Ajinkya Rahane in his career, he has always been a good run getter but if we look at his recent innings summary, Ajinkya has scored 209 runs in 5 matches at an strike rate of 199 which is most by any player in this year’s most run scorer list.
Having played only 105 balls, Rahane has been able to score boundary at every 3.6 balls which is highest among top 20 batters of this IPL despite facing only 105 balls.
Such is the transformation of a player who has been called only fit for test innings, 27 balls 71 against Mumbai Indians, 29 balls 72 against Kolkata Knight Riders speak of his capability as wholly transformed player.
It is almost as if he is hitting sixes at his will by the might of his stroke play, additionally, there are some unorthodox shots considering the nature of the game. We seen it last night when Rahane scooped a delivery of Andre Russell’s over third man’s head.
Rahane was left out by KKR, and unfortunately he wasn’t first choice for CSK either. Similiar to the case of Sandeep Sharma who was left out of the auctions then came to defend 18 runs off the last over against CSK in their backyard.
These are the stories of the IPL, nothing more exciting than of Ajinkya Rahane. A few months back, he lost his place in team India. Played best cricket for Mumbai in ranji trophy and continued to get better and better with all of hard work that he has put into his game.
It is all about individual growth and preparation in this high paced league and Rahane has been able to do it well in his vicinity.
“I feel like my best is yet to come. The way I am batting right now, I just want to continue with it, keep contributing for the team and not thinking too much about myself or result and outcome”, Rahane said in post match talk.
This tells us that he is in a good space, and hits at the stereotype when a player is told what he has to do and when he is free to express himself. The difference is crystal clear and such a story will continue to arise as we move ahead in this Tata IPL 2023.