'You can't show your shot-making if you're not playing' - IPL 2023 revelation Ajinkya Rahane takes subtle dig at former franchise KKR and DC

Ajinkya Rahane has praised the leadership of MS Dhoni for his transformation at Chennai Super Kings and his never-seen-before power hitting in this season's Indian Premier League. He credits Dhoni for giving him the opportunity to rediscover his form and learn many things as a batter and cricketer. Rahane has scored 209 runs from five innings with an average of 52.25 this season, with the highest tournament strike rate of 199.04 among specialist batters. Rahane lost his place in the Test side after the series in South Africa in January last year but got a new lease of life after being bought by the Dhoni-led side. He says his preparation has always been good, and he has always tried to improve himself, develop new shots, and show his stroke-making. He believes his best is yet to come, and he wants to keep doing well for CSK, thinking about one match at a time and contributing well for the team.

"The turning point is here I'm getting chances to play. I was really happy when CSK picked me. They gave me the opportunity to play and express myself," said Rahane.

"If you see, I was not getting opportunities to play one-two years ago. And, if you don't play matches, how would you show what shots do you have in your armoury," he continued. "You can't show them your stroke-making if you are not playing consistently."

My job is to stay in the moment- Rahane

"Naturally, there will be talks when someone does well. I'm happy that people are saying good things about me, thinking about me. But my job is to stay in the moment, think about one match at a time and contribute well for CSK. I still feel my best is yet to come, really enjoyed all the knocks (this season). I just want to keep batting the same way, keep contributing for the team, not thinking too much about myself, the results, and outcome. If I do that, I will be really happy," he said.

"Intent for me is all about doing well for the team, whether I'm playing for CSK or the Indian team. Keep thinking about the team rather than thinking about yourself, your own result or the outcome. Intent is about how badly you want to do well for your team and how badly you are thinking about your team. So that's my only thing," he signed off.

Rahane's hard work seems to have paid off as he has now been included in India's WTC team for the final match against Australia form June 7th to 11th.