INDIA: Ajinkya Rahane’s revival during this year’s IPL has been primarily attributed to the guidance and mentorship of MS Dhoni, according to Rahane himself. The Chennai Super Kings batsman recently expressed his appreciation for the veteran cricketer’s advice, saying that you will likely perform well if you listen to whatever Dhoni says.
Rahane’s recent performances have been impressive, with the batsman scoring 209 runs in just five matches, averaging 52.25 with an impressive strike rate of 199.04. He has already scored two half-centuries, and his best performance so far is an unbeaten knock of 71 runs.
Following the recent match between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, which saw Rahane score another match-winning knock, he spoke about his mindset and the influence of Dhoni. Rahane credited his success to having a clear mindset and enjoying his game while also highlighting the importance of learning from Dhoni, whom he has played under for India and now for the Chennai Super Kings.
The recent match saw Chennai Super Kings post a massive 235/4 in their 20 overs, thanks in part to Rahane’s explosive knock of 71 not out in just 29 balls. He was well-supported by Shivam Dube, who smashed 50 in 21 balls. In response, the Kolkata Knight Riders could only muster 186/8 in their 20 overs, falling short of the required total by 49 runs.
With this win, the Chennai Super Kings now sit at the top of the points table with five wins and two losses, while the Kolkata Knight Riders languish in eighth place with only two wins from seven games. Rahane was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his outstanding performance.
Rahane’s performance in the ongoing IPL has been impressive, especially considering his exclusion from the national Test side for the past year. With this knock, he has shown that he is still a valuable asset in the game’s shortest format. His partnership with Devon Conway set the tone for CSK’s innings, and his explosive knock towards the end of the innings helped them post a mammoth total. It is clear that Rahane has been working hard on his game, and his success is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
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