IPL 2018: Ajinkya Rahane Fined for Slow Over-rate

Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane is fined for maintaining a slow over-rate in the match against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (May 13) night. Royals were not able to complete their overs in the allotted time. Thus, Rahane will have to pay a hefty fine of INR 12 lakh for the slow over-rate.

The news is confirmed by Indian Premier League’s press release. However, Royals was able to win the match by seven wickets thanks to a match-winning batting display from in-form Jos Buttler.

The gloveman Buttler scored an unbeaten 94 off 53 balls – to take his team over the line. Consequently, this was Buttler’s fifth fifty on the trot.

This is the second instance when a captain is penalised in IPL 2018.

“As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Mr. Rahane was fined INR 12 lakh,” an IPL press release stated.

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli was also fined for the same offence.

Furthermore, Kohli was charged with the same penalty of INR 12 lakh. Kohli’s team bowling battery had also failed to deliver their overs in time.

Rahane had played a knock of 37 runs off 36 balls. The skipper perished when he tried to hit a big shot on the bowling of Hardik Pandya.

The middle-order batsman Rahane is not known for his power hitting. However, the Royals leader will like to increase his strike rate. Rahane looks at the top of his game when he tries to time the ball.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan has come back stronger into the tournament after winning their last three matches under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane.

Jos Buttler has played a huge role in these wins. Thus, the team management would hope for a better team performance.

Moreover, other players also need to chip in to contribute for their team.