Ajinkya Rahane Open To Perform A Finisher's Role For The Delhi Capitals

After remaining with the Rajasthan Royals for a couple of years, Ajinkya Rahane will ply his trade for the Delhi Capitals this year. The 2008 champions decided to trade Ajinkya Rahane to Delhi in exchange for leg-spinner Mayank Markande. While the veteran has considered himself for the finisher’s role for the franchise, he enjoys opening the innings instead.

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For the upcoming season, the Delhi Capitals have a host of options on the batting front. They have choices in the form of Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, and Jason Roy to open the innings other than Ajinkya Rahane. On the other hand, the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, and Rishabh Pant are for the middle-order and finisher’s role. Hence, it shall be a quandary to accommodate Rahane.

As for Ajinkya Rahane, his role is unclear and stated that when they get to their practice sessions, they will have all the communication. The 32-year-old said that he has opened for the most part of his career and enjoys doing that. At the same time, he is glad to bat at number five or six, which would help him explore his game. He further said that a team would take five or six net sessions to settle their batting order. It is worth noting that Rahane averages 35.79 in IPL while opening with two centuries.

“We are still in quarantine, so I don’t know what role I am going to play. Once training starts and the communication within the group happen, we will be aware. I have enjoyed opening the batting but it’s up to the team management.

“If there is a situation where I have to bat at No. 5 and 6, I will do it. That way I can explore a new aspect about my game. Once the role is clear it will help. You need at least need five to six sessions to settle in depending on where in the batting order you are,” the Maharashtra-born batsman stated as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Playing under Ricky Ponting, I am excited: Ajinkya Rahane

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting and the coach of Delhi joined the team on Thursday in the UAE and Rahane cited that playing under him would help take his game to a new level. Ajinkya Rahane mentioned seeing the guys in Delhi Capitals and is keen to join forces with them, having followed them since last two years.

“Playing under Ricky Ponting, I am excited. It is the best opportunity to take my game one step forward. We all know him as a player. Obviously, this time due to the Covid rules, the interactions may not happen that much but I can always call him. I have been following Delhi Capitals since the last two years. We have a fantastic bunch of players. Looking forward to play with them,” Rahane added.

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