NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings new signing and veteran Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane said on Thursday he was ready to play in any position for the four-time champions in the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
Rahane has always played as an opener in the T20 format, but CSK have set up a set opening pair in Devon Conway And Ruturaj Gaikwad. Thus, the right-handed hitter was asked about his role in setting up CSK during an interaction with the media.
“I’ve always been an opener. I’ve always opened the stick in T20 format, so not much difference in my role. Whatever the management and the captain ask me to do, I’m always ready to do it. For me it’s always about the team so whenever I get the chance I’ll do my best,” Rahane said on the eve of the IPL 2023 opener against the champions. reigning Gujarat Titans.
Rahane gave an open response when asked if Ben Stokes has no chance of bowling, or he will only play as a specialist hitter, as British media report.
“You’ll see tomorrow how Mahi bhai uses it. It’s completely in Mahi bhai’s mind. He’s going to use it really well,” Rahane replied, without saying too much.
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IPL 2023: Captains and their teams
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Few people would have bet that the Gujarat Titans would win the IPL title on their debut. From now on, it is the most marked team and the opponents will try to exploit the flaws in their armor.
Hardik Pandya was a revelation in 2022 as a skipper and hitter. The Titans hope he continues in this vein and takes on even more bowling responsibilities.
Having shed the image of ‘eternal underdogs’, last year’s runners-up Rajasthan Royals will be very confident, but will be under pressure to match last season’s performances.
Royals captain Sanju Samson has been associated with the team since 2013 and is now considered their mainstay at bat.
Lucknow Super Giants finished third in 2022. Can they do better this time?
Skipper KL Rahul, usually among the event’s top scorers, will once again have a point to prove.
After an unforgettable 2022, which saw them lose their first eight matches and finish bottom of the table, the Mumbai Indians will be looking to bounce back with a vengeance.
Captain Rohit Sharma had a below par year 2022 but with the amount of experience under his belt he still remains the strongest hitter in Mumbai and this will be Rohit’s 10th season as MI captain.
Chennai Super Kings have splurged Rs 16 crore on Ben Stokes in the auction as MS Dhoni is likely to retire after this season. The future begins now for the franchise.
Eyes will once again be on the leadership qualities of MS Dhoni, leading experienced players who know what it is like to perform on the big stage.
The perennial underachievers RCB will play six of their seven home matches in the first four weeks of the competition and Faf du Plessis and his men will be keen to capitalize on early home advantage.
Captain Faf du Plessis led from the front in the previous season and became the best run-getter with 468 runs.
The Delhi Capitals have been fairly consistent in the last four editions under coach Ricky Ponting but need an extra boost under new captain David Warner.
Captain David Warner is one of the most prolific IPL batsmen and has experience leading an IPL team to the trophy.
The Punjab Kings have never won the title and are prone to making big changes after almost every season. The last time they reached the playoffs was in 2014.
Captain Shikhar Dhawan, known for keeping his cool in critical situations, is also the second-best run getter in IPL history.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have a new squad with a new captain in Aiden Markram, who was player of the tournament in SAT20 and was part of the T20I in which South Africa broke a record total set by West Indies.
Two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders vastly underperformed last season, finishing seventh. Can the new management deliver this time?
It remains to be seen if the captain’s added responsibility helps Nitish Rana’s batting.
Rahane said he felt he was hitting at a good pace after enjoying a decent domestic season with 634 points in Ranji’s seven games for Mumbai.
“I personally hit very well and I had a good domestic season. It’s about having fun but looking to learn every time and nothing changes. So every time I get the chance , I would like to give the best of myself,” he said. added.
Playing again under Mahendra Singh Dhoni is something he is looking forward to.
“The experience has been really good so far. We started our training session a long time ago and we are very happy to be part of the CSK family. Playing again under Mahi bhai… It’s a great opportunity for me to learn, I played under him in the Indian team for many years, but at CSK this is the first opportunity to play under him, I’m really looking forward to it. “
Regarding the new ‘Impact Player’ rule, Rahane believes that playing with 12 players effectively keeps any team in the game until the last ball.
“In this rule, you are never out of the game and whether it’s a bowler, an all-arounder or a batter, every team is in the game until the last ball.
“In domestic cricket it was different because you had to pick your impact player before the 14th so here he can come anytime and deliver for the team so basically you’re playing with 12 players no team is out of the equation until the last ball.”
(With PTI entries)
