“Wankhede-cha Raja” as Chennai Super Kings‘ put up rightly in one of their posts dedicated to their debutant Ajinkya Rahane. The 34-year-old Mumbai batter, who was playing his first game for CSK lit up the iconic Wankhede Stadium with his powerful shots as he helped his side register their second consecutive win of the season by defeating Mumbai Indians.
Wankhede cha Raja! 👑#MIvCSK #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/UDWVddBaJo
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 8, 2023
Ajinkya Rahane Played A Memorable Knock
Chasing the target of 158 runs, Rahane walked in to bat at the number 3 position and he made a blockbuster start. He was off the mark instantly with two runs. Rahane upped the ante in Behrendroff’s second over as he smashed a pull shot off a short ball over deep fine leg for a stunning six before he unleashed a beast in him in the next over.
The Mumbaikar slammed left-armer Arshad Khan for 23 runs in the fourth over, starting with a powerful six and backing it up with four successive four, Rahane reached fifty off just 19 balls with successive fours off Piyush Chawla in the sixth over. This was also the fastest fifty thus far this season. Ajinkya Rahane was eventually dismissed for 61 off just 27 balls to Chawla as he holed out to long-on.
Rahane Made A Heart-Winning Statement
Later, after playing a match-winning knock for CSK, Ajinkya Rahane expressed his happiness at the post-match presentation. Rahane revealed that he was informed about his inclusion in the eleven at the very last moment as Moeen Ali was not feeling too well. He said:
“I really enjoyed it, I got to know it before the toss. Moeen was unwell. And Flem told me I was playing. Had a good domestic season. I just try to maintain my shape. Focus on timing. It is all about you have to feel that you are playing a match. IPL is a long tournament and you never know when you get an opportunity,”
Rahane expressed his desire to play a Test match at the Wankhede, having never played a red-ball game at the iconic venue. He said:
“I always enjoy playing at Wankhede. I have never played a Test here. I would want to play a Test here. Important thing about Mahi bhai and Fleming is they give freedom to everyone. Mahi bhai told me to prepare well,”
