Former Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has reflected on the batting transformation that revived his IPL career during his first season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2023. Days after announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket, Rahane revealed how extensive preparation and the faith shown by CSK helped him completely change his approach at the crease. For years, Rahane had been associated with a traditional batting style, often operating at strike rates in the 120s.
However, his 2023 campaign with CSK saw him produce a vastly different version of himself. Batting at No. 3, he scored 326 runs in 14 matches at a stunning strike rate of more than 172, playing a crucial role in CSK’s successful campaign and their fifth IPL title. Rahane believes the turning point came in the very first match of the season against Mumbai Indians, when he smashed a breathtaking 61 off just 27 balls. However, the former Indian batter stressed that the innings was not an overnight transformation but the result of months of preparation.
“Before IPL 2023, I spent two months preparing and worked on expanding my range of shots. Chennai Super Kings also made one thing very clear: Whenever I got an opportunity, they would back me completely,” Ajinkya Rahane said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
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He added that he was initially not expected to feature in CSK’s opening game, but an injury created an opportunity that he grabbed with both hands. That innings against Mumbai Indians ultimately changed the course of his IPL campaign. Rahane also explained why his relatively low strike rates in previous IPL seasons should not be viewed in isolation.
How CSK helped Ajinkya Rahane reinvent himselfhttps://t.co/4pC7fOthBM
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) August 9, 2026
After leaving Rajasthan Royals in 2019, he struggled for regular opportunities with Delhi Capitals and later spent a season with Kolkata Knight Riders. According to Rahane, confidence and clarity of role are crucial for a batter to play with freedom. During his long stint with Rajasthan Royals, his responsibility was primarily to anchor the innings while other batters attacked around him.
Across his IPL career, Ajinkya Rahane accumulated 5,367 runs in 212 matches at an average of more than 30 and a strike rate of 125.60.
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The veteran batter also discussed his leadership stint with KKR in IPL 2026. Following five defeats in their first six matches, Rahane deliberately took a more vocal approach to shield his inexperienced bowling attack from external pressure. “As a leader, you sometimes have to take the blame,” Ajinkya Rahane explained, adding that he wanted the spotlight on himself so his teammates could perform with greater freedom.
KKR eventually staged an impressive recovery, winning six of their final eight matches. However, they narrowly missed the playoffs, while Rahane endured a difficult individual season, scoring at a strike rate of 135.08 with an average below 26.
