Former England skipper Eoin Morgan heaped a praise on Chennai Super King’s comeback man Ajinkya Rahane for his explosive knock against the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. The Mumbai-born batter played a blazing knock of 71 runs off just 29 balls to help CSK register the highest total in IPL 2023.
Rahane reaffirmed his batting style in this edition of the cash-rich league, as he looked dangerous in the middle overs going after the bowlers at a colossal strike rate, with proper cricketing shots to his game. The 34-year-old has been off-colour in both IPL and International cricket in the last couple of years and made a stunning comeback to form in the 1st half of the IPL 2023.
Eoin Morgan, who was known for his aggressive brand of cricket with the England Cricket Team hailed Ajinkya Rahane for his comeback in the IPL and feels he batting closer to legendary New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum in his aggressive intent as a batter and praised him for kind of shots he played against the quality bowlers in the league.
“Absolutely, he has completely reinvented himself. This is closer to Brendon McCullum’s style of batting than Ajinkya Rahane’s. The strike rate in all the innings so far has been through the roof. Some of these shots are not just elegant, but incredibly skillful as well, helping things along the way. He hit a huge six (against Andre Russell). You have got to sit back and admire what they (CSK) have created,” Eoin Morgan said on Jiocinema.
In the game against Kolkata Knight Riders, Ajinkya Rahane struck six fours and five sixes in his innings, with every boundary coming out on the middle of the bat. The 34-year-old has played five matches for the four-time champions and has scored 209 runs at an average of 52.25 at a mighty strike rate of 199.04.
I Have Not Seen Anyone Play Something Like This – Eoin Morgan
Eoin Morgan believes freedom has been given to the Indian veteran to play his game according to the plan, and feels a lot of credit must be given to their coach and captain and added that he has not seen a shot like the reverse scoop that he played against Kulwant Khejroliya, even by his country mate Jos Buttler, who has mastered that art of scoop shots.
“It just goes to show the value of freedom and license that Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni have given him. Some incredible shots he has been played. That shot (reverse scoop). I have not seen anyone play something like this, not even someone like Jos Buttler,” Eoin Morgan added.
Rahane, who revamped himself in this league will look to continue his form in the forthcoming games and contribute to the team’s success in the best way possible. The four-time champions will take on Rajasthan Royals in their next match on April 27 in Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.