IPL 2020: Ajinkya Rahane Reveals Feeling Disheartened When Not Playing

Delhi Capitals’ batsman Ajinkya Rahane was clinical with the bat as his team romped to a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday in Abu Dhabi. With that, the Delhi Capitals made it to the playoffs and so did RCB with a superior net run rate. Ajinkya Rahane revealed feeling disappointed when not getting the chance to play following his gritty innings of 60 on Monday.

Ajinkya Rahane strode out to bat at number three against the Royal Challengers as they were in pursuit of 153 on a tricky pitch. Mohammed Siraj had removed Prithvi Shaw with a ripper of delivery and the Capitals’ batting line-up had already displayed signs of vulnerability in the last few games. Nevertheless, Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan steered towards the target with an 88-run stand.

Ajinkya Rahane, who top-scored with 60, said he felt disappointed for being benched in the initial part of the tournament. The feeling turned to an excellent one and the 32-year old credited Shikhar Dhawan as he learnt a lot from him when batting together.

“Was disappointed when I didn’t get to play. Felt good after contributing to the team’s win and enjoyed batting with you. The way you batted, I learned a lot,” Rahane told teammate Dhawan during a chat for IPLT20.com.

“Ricky told me I am going to bat at number three” : Ajinkya Rahane

The right-handed batsman revealed that head coach Ricky Ponting told him he would bat at number three. And Ajinkya Rahane sensed an opportunity and relished contributing to the team’s cause in crunch situations. Delhi Capitals will face Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier on Thursday in Dubai.

“Ricky told me I am going to bat at number three and I felt that a good opportunity is there. As a player, if you contribute in the crunch situations, you feel good and when the team wins, the joy doubles,” he added.

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