Master in the making!

He opens the innings for India. Though physically not that tall, he stands tall against the opposition. Those back-foot punches through the covers, delicate flicks, glorious straight drives and jaw-dropping lofts over long-off are a treat to the eye. This batsman from Mumbai – well well well, hold your thoughts; I’m not talking about Sachin Tendulkar, but Ajinkya Rahane.

Born in Mumbai, Rahane took up cricket early and represented Mumbai in the domestic circuit. After churning out more than a 1000 runs in a single Ranji season and following it up with a couple of centuries in Australia in the Emerging Player’s tourney, he finally made it to the Indian team after Sehwag was injured for the England tour last June. He continued his form making a fluent half century on debut.

Rahane has got terrific technique and shot-making ability. He is extremely sound defensively and also has an array of attacking shots. He can play almost every shot in the book effortlessly. He is equally good on both sides of the wicket and is a busy player. He is naturally aggressive and looks to attack from the start. He is a good player of spin as well and has the temperament to survive pressure. Apart from which he is a sharp fielder. Even with so many positives on his side, it’s sad that he has to pray for injuries to seniors for him to make it to the playing XI.

With a good start to IPL-5, Rahane holds the key to Rajasthan’s campaign. He along with Dravid have to provide good starts consistently if RR have to make it to the semis. One of the contenders for the orange cap, Rahane seems to be confident and a player to watch out for this IPL. He definitely has managed to spark comparisons with Tendulkar. But will he be able to emulate the legend’s feats? Only time will tell.

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https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/16/rahane-reigns-in-royal-encounter/

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/08/ipl-the-lessons-of-management-learnt-better-by-rrs-than-kkrs/