IPL 2023: Ajinkya Rahane's Career Gets a Lifeline, Shivam Dube Emerges as CSK's Savior

IPL 2023: Ajinkya Rahane's Career Gets a Lifeline, Shivam Dube Emerges as CSK's Savior

Chennai had hoped that Ajinkya Rahane would fetch more than 50 lakh rupees. The franchise had made preparations for it. However, it didn't happen. No one other than Chennai bid for Rahane. Chennai Super Kings bought Rahane for 50 lakh rupees.

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Experienced Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane faced a lot of pressure when he was dropped from the Test team in the beginning of 2022. His performance in IPL 2022 was also disappointing. Rahane was also released by the Kolkata Knight Riders. He reduced his base price and included himself in the 50 lakh bracket. When the auction for IPL players took place, no one other than Chennai Super Kings bid for Rahane. CSK bought him for 50 lakh rupees.

Chennai had planned for Rahane before the auction. The team's CEO, Kashi Viswanathan, had discussed this with coach Stephen Fleming and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Fleming had worked with Rahane at the Rising Pune Supergiants and was a fan of his discipline. Meanwhile, Rahane had played a lot under Dhoni's captaincy in Team India. Rahane liked the combination of the coach and captain.

Chennai did not expect this
Chennai expected Rahane to fetch more than 50 lakh rupees. The franchise had made preparations for it. However, that didn't happen. No one other than Chennai Super Kings bid for Rahane. Chennai Super Kings bought Rahane for 50 lakh rupees. He got a chance to play against the Mumbai Indians. He didn't know until a while before the toss that he was in the playing eleven. After Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali got injured, the team needed an experienced player. Rahane got the opportunity and made a good impact.

Turning the tide against Mumbai
Rahane played a crucial innings of 61 runs off 27 balls against Mumbai. It proved to be a turning point in his career. He scored a half-century in the IPL after 2020. This innings sparked discussions about his comeback in Team India. However, this innings alone wasn't the only reason behind it. Rahane had performed well in the previous season of the Ranji Trophy. Rahane had scored 634 runs with an average of 57.63, including two centuries, for Mumbai.

Advice to play more freely
During Chennai Super Kings' camp, Rahane worked on his batting with coach Stephen Fleming and batting coach Michael Hussey, apart from Dhoni. They advised Rahane to play more freely and be prepared at all times. Rahane averaged 32.60 in this season, scoring 326 runs. His strike rate was over 170. In the final against Gujarat, Rahane scored 27 runs off 13 balls. He hit two fours and two sixes. His innings brought Chennai close to victory.

Rahane thanks Dhoni
After becoming champions, Rahane said, "I want to thank CSK management and Mahi bhai (Dhoni). They had said they would always support me. They had explained my role before the season. The freedom that CSK has given me is a big thing. I am happy with my batting performance." Dhoni also praised Rahane. He said, "We don't need to explain players like Ajinkya. He is quite experienced."

Shivam Dube emerges as the new Sixer King of Chennai
Apart from Rahane, another player won everyone's hearts. His name is Shivam Dube. Dube had a remarkable season, contributing both with bat and ball. He provided crucial