The veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, who is renowned for his sound technique and perceptive leadership abilities, has made a lasting impression on the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rahane, who was born on June 6, 1988, has been a mainstay of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its establishment. He has demonstrated his skill with the bat and made a substantial contribution to the success of teams like Rajasthan Royals in the past and Chennai Super Kings recently.
While talking about Ajinkya Rahane one cannot miss his impact on CSK especially in the 16th season and vice versa. After getting dropped from the Indian team in early 2022, Rahane’s international career seemed to have stalled due to injuries and a lack of opportunities. The right-hander made a sensational comeback at the top level with Chennai Super Kings.
Chasing 171 in 15 overs in the final of the tournament, Rahane played a brilliant cameo of 27 off 13 balls. The batter helped CSK maintain the momentum set by Devon Conway in the first 6 overs of the game.
CSK give Rahane a ray of hope and helped him rejuvenate his style of play. In return, 36-year-old Rahane broke the shakels of past and evolved a player which helps the Men in Yellow as he provides a formidable balance of stroke play in the middle order and the much-needed anchor in the innings if required at the top.
Early Career
Rahane’s cricket career started in Mumbai’s domestic league, where he developed his abilities and attracted the attention of selectors with his reliable performances.
Despite having a very textbook style of batting which in some people’s opinion suits the longest format of the game i.e. Test cricket the most, Rahane earned several IPL franchises’ eyes where his transformation began as a T20 player.
Ajinkya Rahane IPL Career
Indian veteran Ajinkya Rahane is one of the only players who have played in all IPL seasons till now. Starting his career in the maiden IPL season as a young batter from Mumbai to solidifying his status as a classy batter on the international stage. Having said that, Rahane is still evolving as a batter. With the game inclining toward the shorter formats, the 36-year-old has still a lot to show.
Ajinkya Rahane IPL Stats
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 185 | 17 | 4642 | 105* | 30.14 | 3761 | 123.42 | 2 | 30 | 478 | 103 | 71 | 0 |
| 2024 | 13 | 0 | 242 | 45 | 20.17 | 196 | 123.47 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 14 | 1 | 326 | 71* | 32.60 | 189 | 172.49 | 0 | 2 | 24 | 16 | 8 | 0 |
| 2022 | 7 | 0 | 133 | 44 | 19.00 | 128 | 103.91 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 8.00 | 8 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 9 | 0 | 113 | 60 | 14.12 | 107 | 105.60 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 | 1 | 393 | 105* | 32.75 | 285 | 137.89 | 1 | 1 | 45 | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 | 15 | 1 | 370 | 65* | 28.46 | 313 | 118.21 | 0 | 1 | 39 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| 2017 | 16 | 1 | 382 | 60 | 25.46 | 323 | 118.26 | 0 | 2 | 35 | 9 | 7 | 0 |
| 2016 | 14 | 3 | 480 | 74 | 43.63 | 379 | 126.64 | 0 | 6 | 54 | 9 | 7 | 0 |
| 2015 | 14 | 2 | 540 | 91* | 49.09 | 413 | 130.75 | 0 | 4 | 53 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| 2014 | 13 | 0 | 339 | 72 | 28.25 | 291 | 116.49 | 0 | 3 | 38 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| 2013 | 18 | 4 | 488 | 68* | 34.85 | 458 | 106.55 | 0 | 4 | 42 | 11 | 10 | 0 |
| 2012 | 16 | 2 | 560 | 103* | 40.00 | 433 | 129.33 | 1 | 3 | 73 | 10 | 11 | 0 |
| 2011 | 10 | 1 | 120 | 52 | 20.00 | 98 | 122.44 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 | 8 | 1 | 144 | 62* | 24.00 | 123 | 117.07 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2.00 | 17 | 23.52 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Read further, to learn about Ajinkya Rahane IPL stats and his growth over the years.
IPL 2008-2018: From Debuting for Mumbai Indians to Leading Rajasthan Royals
With the T20 format making its way into the Indian domestic circuit in 2008, Rahane, who was considered to be a rising name in the domestic levels got selected for the Mumbai Indians squad for the maiden Indian Premier League season for his extraordinary potential. But Rahane made a real statement about his entrance on the big stage with the Rajasthan Royals.
Rahane became one of the most remarkable players for the Rajasthan Royals during the 2012 Indian Premier League season. Rahane showed his class and composure while being mentored by Rahul Dravid, establishing himself as a regular in the Royals’ batting lineup. He made headlines that season when he became the first batsman to score a century in the Indian Premier League, cementing his status as an extremely talented top-order batter.
Rahane was a match-winning player for the Royals and scored important runs at the top of the order over the years. His ability to lead the inning and pick up speed when necessary made him a priceless member of the team. Rahane’s 3789 runs scored in 97 games for the Royals says it all.
Rahane received praise and acclaim from all of the league’s teams for his outstanding IPL performances. He was signed by the Royals for Rs 4 crore in 2018, solidifying his place in the starting lineup. Following Steve Smith’s departure, Rahane was given leadership responsibilities when he was named the Royals’ 2018 season captain.
IPL 2020-Current: A Transformed Rahane
Rahane was traded from the Rajasthan Royals to the Delhi Capitals in a major deal that occurred before the 2020 Indian Premier League season. Despite his poor form that limited his playing opportunities, the Capitals kept him for the 2021 Indian Premier League season.
Playing only 11 matches in total in IPL 2021 and 2022 combined, everyone anticipated Rahane’s end in the IPL. But MS Dhoni and the CSK management didn’t shy away from giving this talented man a chance. Consequently, Rahane was selected to wear the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) yellow shirt for the 2023 Indian Premier League.
Throughout his IPL career, Ajinkya Rahane CSK stats are a class apart, Having played 27 matches for the yellow jersey, he accumulated 568 runs in just 2 seasons. With a never before-strike rate of 147.98 batting in the top order. On top of that, 36-year-old Rahane has recently proven his mettle in the field as well. One can say that playing under Dhoni and in CSK has been a revolution of Rahane saving his IPL career.
Ajinkya Rahane stats for CSK in IPL 16
Renowned for giving the underdogs a chance, CSK purchasing Rahane for only INR 50 lakh was crucial to its success. Playing under ‘Thala’ Dhoni’s captaincy, Rahane started to show an unexpected style of play. From playing textbook cricket to hitting the bowlers down the ground he evolved tremendously. Batting at number three and he scored at an incredible strike rate of more than 175 in every game. Rahane’s first IPL title victory was made possible by his critical contributions, which were instrumental in CSK’s championship campaign.
In 16th edition of IPL Rahane amassed 326 runs in 14 matches with a highscore of 71 not out. The highlight of the season was Rahane’s strike-rate of 172.49. In the words of CSK head coach Stephen Fleming the team took away the “anchor” tag from Rahane which eventually worked out the best for him. With players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, Rahane didn’t had to worry about anchoring the innings and could focus on his innings more.
Ajinkya Rahane stats for CSK in IPL 17
After a tremendous and revolutionary season, Rahane earned CSK management’s full trust. In IPL 17 Rahane resumed the new season batting in the middle order. Moreover, playing under a new captain- Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahane was given a new responsibility of opening the innings with him in the latter half of the season.
In IPL 2024, Rahane accumulated 242 in 13 matches. With an average of 20.17, Rahane had a strike rate of 123.47.
What is the future of Rahane in the IPL?
Ajinkya Rahane’s experience in the IPL demonstrates his resilience, skill, and versatility as a cricket player. Rahane has had a successful career spanning from his early days with the Mumbai Indians to his eventual success with the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.
Ajinkya Rahane’s revolution with CSK inspires many to adapt to the situation and is the epitome of hardwork and resilience. Fans can anticipate more remarkable performances and leadership lectures from this cricketing great as he continues to grace the IPL stage with his presence.
Also read: Ruturaj Gaikwad CSK: Player Profile, Background and Stats in IPL
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