Delhi Capitals In Negotiation With Rajasthan Royals For Ajinkya Rahane

Rajasthan Royals are looking set to end their long association with their former captain Ajinkya Rahane. The Rajasthan-based outfit had secured Ajinkya Rahane’s services in 2011 and the Mumbai batsman went on to become their batting mainstay. In 2012 season, Ajinkya Rahane became the first batsman to hit a century and emerged the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals.

Since then he has been playing for Royals barring the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the right-hander played for Rising Pune Supergiant as the Royals were serving a suspension. But the Royals are now looking set to part ways with Ajinkya Rahane. The India Test vice-captain could turn out for Delhi Capitals from the next season if both the franchises strike a deal.

“Yes, DC is trying to get Rahane onboard, but too early to say if the deal will see the light of the day. A lot of things need to be taken care of before the dotted line is signed. RR’s take on the whole issue can also not be discounted since he has been a huge ambassador for them. But yes, talks are on,” a source told IANS.

It will definitely be a major coup for Delhi Capitals if they manage to lure Ajinkya Rahane away from Royals. The Delhi-based outfit has been trying its best to build on the promising season this year. They have already roped in Mayank Markande and Ravichandran Ashwin and have now set their sights on the Royals star.

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The franchise has been rebuilding the team ever since the JSW Group came onboard in 2019. Last season, they had roped in Shikhar Dhawan from Sunrisers Hyderabad and the result was there for all to see. The India opener slammed 521 runs with five fifties as Delhi made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

Delhi already have some very exciting young talents in their ranks in the form of Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant and the addition of Rahane will give the batting line-up the much-needed solidity and experience.

“The side has attempted to get the right balance between youth and experience and what Rahane brings to the table isn’t something one needs to talk about. It is there for all to see. Dhawan and Ishant Sharma showed what having experienced heads in the dug-out means when the situation is tough and this could be a dream move if sealed,” an official said.

Meanwhile, the trade window for the next season will close today. The auction, on the other hand, will take place on December 19 in Kolkata.