Have given Ajinkya Rahane freedom to bat the way he wants, says MS Dhoni after win over KKR

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings defeated KKR by 49 runs in a high-scoring match.

Chennai Super Kings lit up Kolkata’s Eden Gardens with a top-class batting performance. In a rare High scoring game at Eden Gardens, CSK won by 49 runs against host Kolkata Knight Riders. CSK’s number 3, Ajinkya Rahane became a talking point in Indian Cricket once again with his swashbuckling inning of 71 runs in 29 balls. Rahane’s approach stunned everyone. He batted in a very unlike mannerism and was very different from how he batted in the past. Along with Rahane, All-rounder Shivam Dube also smashed 5 towering sixes in his 50 runs inning in 21 balls. CSK’s openers laid the foundation for the middle order to score freely on flat wickets. CSK gave KKR a target of 236 runs in 20 overs.

'We are not improving': Nitish Rana

In response KKR collapsed, they were 4 down in 70 runs while chasing 236 runs. Only Rinku Singh (53) and Jason Roy (61) gave a little challenge to CSK bowlers. KKR captain Nitish Rana expressed his disappointment after a massive loss and said, “Tough to digest, It is difficult to digest being taken for 235 runs in this wicket. We have not been improving in the tournament… We needed to have a good start chasing such a big target, but could not get it. We were always behind in the game”. Apart from Rinku and Jason Roy no other KKR batter could live up to the occasion.

Huge Crowd support for CSK at Eden Gardens

Despite playing in an away venue, Chennai Super Kings had massive crowd support at Eden Gardens. CSK Captain MS Dhoni thanked the crowd for their support. He said "I will just say thanks for the support, they came in big numbers. Most of these guys will come in a KKR jersey next time. They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd". MS Dhoni also praised his team’s effort in the game. He said, “We always kept the pressure on the opposition and if you see their batting line-up, they have big hitters down the order and we respect that”. MS Dhoni also talked about veteran Ajinkya Rahane. Dhoni said, “When you realise the potential of someone you let him bat the way he wants. Whatever is your strength, be positive and enjoy it”. Rahane impressed everyone with his intent.

Rahane Credits MS Dhoni for his success

Ajinkya Rahane was awarded the Player of the Match award for his magnificent batting. Talking about his inning, Ajinkya Rahane said, “Just a clear mindset and nothing else. If that is right, you can do anything and so I just wanted to keep my mind clear”. He has also credited MS Dhoni for his success this season. He said, “Great learning to play under MS. Played under him at India, and playing under him at CSK for the first time. Whatever he says, you listen”. Rahane has scored 209 runs in the IPL 2023 with a strike rate of 199.04 in 5 innings. He also has two fifty-plus scores.