IPL 2023: Clear mindset and Dhoni's support has revived Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane is a player revived in IPL 2023. One of the most consistent performers in the history of the league with 4,283 runs in his bag, Rahane had a poor run in the last three seasons after he shifted base from Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals.

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Rahane made nine appearances in the 2020 season, his first with DC, but only scored 113 runs at a strike rate of 105.6. This severely impacted his chances in 2021 as he only played in two games. In 2022, Rahane was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise but there as well he was only afforded seven matches in which he could only manage 133 runs at a strike rate of 103.91.

At the same time, his fortunes with Team India also took a hit. Dropped from the team after a poor outing in South Africa in January 2022, Rahane is still to get another chance.

But the 34-year-old is an 82-Test veteran. He has played 163 IPL matches so far. This means only one thing, form is temporary and class is permanent.

Chennai Super Kings took a punt by investing Rs 50 lakh in the 2023 auction and look at what they have got.

In just five matches this season, Rahane has clocked 209 runs at an unbelievable strike rate of 199.05. With Ben Stokes injured and question marks over CSK’s ability to drastically turn around their fortunes after finishing ninth last season, Rahane has transformed the CSK unit with his batting.

Blessed with all the support. We move