Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri hailed Chennai Super Kings middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane as the best team man–and lauded him for his innings against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on Saturday. The Mumbai-born cricketer played an explosive knock of 61 runs off just 27 balls against Rohit Sharma-led side.
Ajinkya Rahane, who was discarded from the Indian setup following his poor form, made an impressive debut for the four-time champions as he stunned everyone with his explosive knock studded with seven fours and three sixes. Rahane looked in terrific touch before being dismissed by Piyush Chawla.
Speaking to Espncricinfo on his impressive knock, the former Indian World Cup winner Ravi Shastri praised Rahane for quality innings and recollected the memories of his knock in Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2021 where he led India to one of the famous series victories in Australia in the absence of India’s regular skipper Virat Kohli.
“I loved Ajinkya Rahane’s innings. He was our captain in Australia, where I saw one of the greatest overseas hundreds by an Indian player. That will go right up with the very best, simply because of where India was at the start of the innings. He had taken over as captain, we were 36 all-out. On Boxing Day, to play like that was fantastic,” Ravi Shastri said.
Rahane’s knock inspired India to a historic 2-1 win in the series–their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil. According to reports, team India might consider including experienced Rahane for the World Test Championship in the absence of Shreyas Iyer.
You Won’t Get A Better Team Man – Ravi Shastri On Ajinkya Rahane’s Role In CSK
Ravi Shastri lauded Rahane for his fantastic timing with the bat and stated the innings is a treat to watch. Besides, he expressed his happiness over his innings stating him a complete team man and adding that he would help the youngsters around him.
“The timing, it was the purity of the innings was a treat to the eyes (against MI). Lovely shots, I’m glad for him. He’s such a team man. He’s captained India, whichever franchise or team he plays for, he might not be captain but you can be rest assured, you won’t get a better team man”.
“Even if it comes to carrying water, or in the dressing room, helping out someone. He’s a top-class example of the way the game should be played,” Ravi Shastri added.
Rahane has been roped in by CSK at his base price of INR 50 lakhs. Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane expressed his gratitude to play for Chennai Super Kings under the legendary MS Dhoni.