In a season where several cricketers are turning back the clock to play as if playing in their younger days, Chennai Super Kings batter Ajinkya Rahane is playing in a manner no one had ever imagined him to, let alone seen him play like that.
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This transfigured version of Rahane’s T20 skills have it in them to even surprise him. Never been an under-performer in this format, “anchor” Rahane had his own way of scoring runs via archetype textbook cricketing shots.
Having said that, Indian Premier League 2023 has brought out a whole new version of a batter who has been playing T20s since 2007. The fact that Rahane’s form at an unprecedented strike rate hasn’t come as an opening batter speaks highly about his rediscovery.
Coming in to bat at No. 3 in the eighth over of the ongoing match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata, Rahane scored an eye-catching 71* (29) with the help of six fours and five sixes.
A couple of standout shots saw him innovating beyond imagination against KKR’s fast bowlers. Having already flicked an Umesh Yadav (0/35) delivery over deep square leg for a powerful yet elegant six on the first ball of the 14th over, Rahane followed it up with a cheeky shot not easy to play against a bowler of Yadav’s pace.
Premeditating to hit the right-arm bowler over wicket-keeper Narayan Jagadeesan, Rahane was quick on his feet to ramp a Yadav delivery over fine leg to become a source of amazement for one and all.
Kevin Pietersen Goes Into Raptures Over Ajinkya Rahane Shot off Kulwant Khejroliya
However, it was another shot played by Rahane which earned him applause from former England batter Kevin Pietersen. It all happened on the last delivery of the 18th over when Rahane amazingly hit a Kulwant Khejroliya (2/44) full-toss for a boundary over short third man.
Not moving a lot on this particular occasion, all Rahane did was execute a reverse ramp to a tee to make the most of the field placement. Rahane, 34, playing shots such as these have really drawn immense attention towards him this season.
KKR Chasing a Record Run-Chase
Chasing a formidable 236-run chase at their home ground, KKR will have to seal a record-breaking run-chase from many aspects. Readers must note that no team has ever chased down such a target in the history of the IPL, Knight Riders or Eden Gardens.
