Ajinkya Rahane regrets not playing Test cricket at Wankhede Stadium after a blazing knock against Mumbai Indians

Ajinkya Rahane played a whirlwind knock of 61 runs off 27 deliveries against MI on Saturday.

After a blistering knock to help Chennai Super Kings register their second win of IPL 2023, Ajinkya Rahane intends to play a Test at the Wankhede Stadium. The veteran batter said he relishes playing at the venue as he knows it pretty well.

Ajinkya Rahane, who played Saturday's blockbuster clash against the Mumbai Indians, silenced the Wankhede crowd with his whirlwind 27-ball 61. The right-hander came in the middle after Jason Behrendorff rearranged Devon Conway in the first over of the run-chase. However, Rahane killed the game for the hosts with an extraordinary knock, wiping half the target.

Speaking to the host broadcaster, Ajinkya Rahane said Moeen Ali's illness paved the way for his inclusion and carried his good form into this game. The 34-year-old believes that the secret to performing well in IPL is staying positive and credited the captain and coach for giving him complete freedom.

"Really enjoyed it. I just got to know before the toss that I am playing. Unfortunately, Moeen was unwell. I had a good domestic season and was batting well in the nets. I was just trying to play good cricketing shots, and not slog it over. It is all about maintaining your shape. You want to prepare mentally well, IPL is a very long tournament, and it all about staying positive and knowing your game. Mahi bhai and Flem have given the freedom to other players. I was just told to focus on my strengths and focus on preparation. I love playing at the Wankhede, I know the ground well. Have not played a Test here, yet.", said Rahane

Rahane, who has nearly 5000 Test runs hasn't played red-ball cricket for India since January 2022 and has stayed out of the side due to poor form and the rise of Shreyas Iyer in the middle order.

Ravindra Jadeja runs through Mumbai Indians' batting order before Ajinkya Rahane's exploits

Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was the Player of the Match award for his outstanding figures of 4-0-20-3. While the home side started well, the Super Kings' spinners strangled them well in the middle overs. Jadeja claimed the wickets of Cameron Green, Tilak Verma, and Ishan Kishan to break the back of the opposition's batting unit.

The five-time champions managed to reach 157 through some late contributions from Tim David and Hrithik Shokeen, but it was nowhere enough. Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad regained the Orange Cap by staying unbeaten at 40 and taking his side to a seven-wicket victory.