Rahane expressed his desire to stick to his strengths and play like he normally does after his match-winning performance for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023 match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, April 8. The veteran cricketer hit 61 runs in just 27 balls to lead Chennai to a seven-wicket victory and achieved the fastest fifty of the tournament—19 balls. At the post-match press conference, Rahane discussed his approach to the game and his preparations for the tournament. He said:
“When I went in, it was all about playing my normal game, back my strength. My preparation has been really good. I had a very good domestic season this year. It was all about grabbing this opportunity, and I’m happy that I did really well.
“Every player is different; their strengths are different. I don’t want to be someone else. I just want to be Ajinkya Rahane.” He added, “I know my strengths and my timings, so I just want to back myself. It’s all about reminding myself that I can be Ajinkya Rahane and play like Ajinkya Rahane and as long as I can do that I’ll be fine.”
“If you get a good start, then it becomes really easy”: Rahane
The Chennai batter discussed his strategy, commenting that he gained insight into the pitch when his team was out in the field and subsequently adjusted his batting accordingly. He explained:
“When we were bowling, I got an idea of how the wicket was playing so that helped me a lot while batting. When you are chasing 150-160, you have got to bat with intent in the first six overs. If you get a good start, then it becomes really easy.”
“Instructions from him were pretty simple; just back your game. Play to your strengths other than trying to do something else.” He further added.
After Rahane’s dismissal, Ruturaj Gaikwad (40*), Shivam Dube (28 runs), and Ambati Rayudu (20*) played significant roles as CSK finished the game in 18.1 overs.
