Until IPL 2023, Ajinkya Rahane’s strike rate in the powerplay during T20s stood at a modest 115.31. However, in the 23 innings that followed, his strike rate soared to an impressive 156.83. Rahane attributes this significant improvement to the freedom he was given by his former IPL team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which allowed him to express himself fully in the shortest format of the game.
“The message from CSK was simple: go out and play your natural game,” Rahane reflected after scoring a brilliant 98 off 56 balls in Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) semi-final win against Baroda. “I was always encouraged to play freely, not be the anchor and let others revolve around me. In contrast, other teams had asked me to bat through the middle overs and build innings, which often resulted in a strike rate around 120-130. But the past two years have been a revelation for me in T20 cricket.”
That advice from CSK, which helped Rahane find his rhythm in IPL 2023 with a strike rate of 172.48, has had a lasting impact. At the current SMAT, Rahane has scored 432 runs, the highest among all batters, with a strike rate of 169.41.
Rahane’s aggressive approach has been evident in his performances, even when relying on conventional cricketing shots. Whether it’s lofting the ball over the infield or powerfully pulling short deliveries, he’s been in excellent touch.
Here’s a table summarizing the key points from the news:
| Player | Ajinkya Rahane |
| Previous Powerplay Strike Rate | 115.31 (Until IPL 2023) |
| Current Powerplay Strike Rate | 156.83 (In 23 innings post IPL 2023) |
| Impact of CSK | Freedom to play natural game; Encouraged to express himself in T20s |
| Strike Rate in IPL 2023 | 172.48 |
| Strike Rate in SMAT 2024 | 169.41 |
| Total Runs in SMAT 2024 | 432 runs (Highest among all batters) |
| Key Innings in SMAT 2024 | – 95 off 54 balls vs Andhra in a record chase of 230- 84 off 45 balls vs Vidarbha in a chase of 222 |
| Notable Shot | Suryakumar Yadav-style pick-up shot over fine leg against Darshan Nalkande |
| Rahane’s Approach | Focus on timing, not power hitting; Intent from the first ball |
| Chase Performance vs Baroda | 98 off 56 balls (set up Mumbai’s victory in SMAT semi-final) |
| Strategy Against Lukman Meriwala | Attacked early to force bowler to change length; Hit six and four off short deliveries |
| Previous SMAT Title | Mumbai won under Rahane’s leadership in 2022-23 |
| New IPL Team | Kolkata Knight Riders (purchased for INR 1.5 crore in the 2024 IPL Auction) |
In one of his standout innings, Rahane blasted 95 off 54 balls in a record chase of 230 against Andhra. He followed that up with 84 from 45 balls in another massive chase of 222 against Vidarbha in the quarter-finals. In that game, Rahane demonstrated a full range of shots, including a memorable six over fine leg, executed with his signature pick-up shot, reminiscent of Suryakumar Yadav’s style.
Despite three consecutive Player-of-the-Match performances, Rahane remains grounded. “I just focus on keeping it simple,” he shared. “I’m not about power hitting; for me, it’s always about timing the ball well, while having clear intent from the first ball. It’s about the extension of my defense into all my shots, and maintaining my shape throughout.”
During Mumbai’s chase of 159 against Baroda, Rahane’s intent was clear from the outset. He began the second over by striking the first three deliveries for a boundary, six, and another boundary. The first shot, a non-typical heave to deep square leg, was part of his strategy to put pressure on the bowler.
“I had a good idea of how Lukman Meriwala would bowl,” Rahane explained. “So, I decided to attack him right away. The idea was to force him to alter his length, which he did by pitching shorter. I took full advantage by hitting a six and a four.”
This fearless approach, rooted in his self-belief, has proven effective in leading Mumbai to another potential SMAT title—one they previously secured under Rahane’s leadership in 2022-23. If he continues in this vein, both Mumbai and IPL’s defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders—who secured Rahane at his base price of INR 1.5 crore in the recent auction—will be formidable contenders in the upcoming seasons.
ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane Biography
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