The 12th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) took place between two of the most successful franchises – Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – at Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.
Despite missing key players like Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes, an injury-plagued Super Kings dominated the El Clasico of the 16th season, thanks to a magnificent batting display from veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane, who was playing his debut game for the Yellow Army.
Rahane delivered a spectacular performance with the bat, leading CSK to victory against Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai. He smashed an impressive half-century and top-scored for his side with 61 runs from just 27 balls.
Following the match, CSK skipper MS Dhoni heaped praises on Rahane for the latter’s outstanding batting performance and revealed that he had a pep talk with CSK’s latest recruit before the game.
“Me and Jinks spoke at the start of the season, and I told him to play to his strengths, use your ability to manipulate the fields. I told him to go and enjoy, don’t take stress and we’ll back you. He batted well, and he was not happy with the way he got out, that says it all. I think every game is important, you look at the problems in front of you and take it one step at a time, not look at the league table for now,” said Dhoni at the post-match conference.
Notably, Rahane was not slated to play in the match as per the franchise’s plans. However, he was informed of his selection from the team shortly before the toss due to Moeen’s illness.
“Really enjoyed it, I got to know before the toss. Moeen was unwell. And Flem (Stephen Fleming) 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,” said Rahane.
