NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings' new recruit and veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday said that he is ready to play in any position for the four-time champions in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.
Rahane has always played as an opener in the T20 format, but CSK have in place a set opening pair in Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad. So, the right-handed batter was asked about his role in the CSK set-up during a media interaction.
"I have always been an opener. I have always opened the batting in T20 format, so not much of a difference in my role. Still whatever the management and captain asks me to do, I am always open to doing it. For me, it's always about the team, so whenever I get an opportunity I will give my best," Rahane said on the eve of the IPL 2023 opener against defending champions Gujarat Titans.
Rahane gave an open-ended reply when asked if Ben Stokes has any chance of bowling, or he will play only as a specialist batter, as reported by the British media.
"You will see tomorrow how Mahi bhai uses him. It's completely in Mahi bhai's mind. He will use him really well," Rahane answered, without divulging much.
1/10:IPL 2023: The captains and their teams
TNN
2/10:Gujarat Titans
<p>Not many would have bet on Gujarat Titans winning the IPL title on debut. Now they are the most-marked team and opponents will try to exploit the chinks in their armour. </p>PTI
3/10:Hardik Pandya
<p>Hardik Pandya was a revelation in 2022 as skipper and batter. Titans will hope he carries on in that vein and takes even more bowling responsibility.</p>PTI
4/10:Rajasthan Royals
<p>Having got rid of the image of 'perennial underdogs', last year's runners-up Rajasthan Royals will be riding high on confidence, but will be under pressure to match last season's performance. </p>PTI
5/10:Sanju Samson
<p>Royals captain Sanju Samson has been associated with the team since 2013 and is now considered their batting mainstay.</p>TNN
6/10:Lucknow Super Giants
<p>Lucknow Super Giants finished third in 2022. Can they go one better this time? </p>TNN
7/10:KL Rahul
<p>Skipper KL Rahul, usually among the top run-scorers in the event, will again have a point to prove. </p>IANS
8/10:Mumbai Indians
<p>After a forgettable 2022, which saw them lose their first eight matches and finish at the bottom of the standings, Mumbai Indians will look to bounce back with a vengeance.<br /></p>AFP
9/10:Rohit Sharma
<p>Captain Rohit Sharma had a below-par 2022 but with the amount of experience under his belt, still remains Mumbai's most potent batter and this will be the 10th season for Rohit as MI captain. </p>AFP
10/10:Chennai Super Kings
<p>Chennai Super Kings splurged Rs 16 crore on Ben Stokes in the auctions, because MS Dhoni is likely to retire after this season. The future begins now for the franchise.</p>IANSRahane said that he felt that he was batting in good rhythm after having a decent domestic season with 634 runs in seven Ranji games for Mumbai.
"Personally, I am batting really well, and had a good domestic season. It is all about having fun but looking to learn every time and nothing changes. So, whenever I get a chance, I would like to contribute my best," he added.
Playing under Mahendra Singh Dhoni again is something that he is looking forward to.
"Experience has been really good so far. We started our training session a long time back and are very happy to be part of the CSK family. Playing under Mahi bhai again... It's a great opportunity for me to learn, I have played under him in the Indian team for many years, but in CSK, this is the first opportunity to play under him, really looking forward to it."
As far as the new 'Impact Player' rule is considered, Rahane feels that playing with 12 players effectively keeps any team in the game till the last ball.
"In this rule, you are never out of the game and whether it's a bowler, all-rounder or batter, every team is in the game till the last ball.
"In domestic cricket, it was different as you had to choose your impact player by the 14th over, so here he can come anytime and deliver for the team, so basically you are playing with 12 players, no team is out of the equation till the last ball."
(With inputs from PTI)
