Ajinkya Rahane Pleased to Take Team Home on ‘Different Wankhede Wicket’

By: Tarish Bhatt

The Wankhede pitch was different from what we have seen a last couple of matches in the opening tie of the Indian Premier League between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants.

It by no means was a belter, as it was proving fast bowlers some bounce and movement, while the ball was also stopping and turning for the spinners.

The Supergiants made full use of the conditions to dismantle the hosts, but when Mumbai Indians came out to bowl they failed to breach the wall called Ajinkya Rahane, despite getting the assistance.

“I felt it was important to time the ball. When we were bowling, the ball was stopping and seaming a bit,” Rahane said. “It was important to take my time and finish the game.”

“Track was two-paced, different to Wankhede wicket,” he added. “It was holding and for the first six overs, it was doing a lot. It’s been very good, couple of practice sessions.”

Even the Supergiants captain MS Dhoni praised Rahane, who made an unbeaten half-century, and sealed the game with 32 balls to spare, in the post-match presentation.

“Always felt Rahane is brilliant where the ball comes on off the wickets,” Dhoni insisted. “He is traditional and the way he finished it off was very good.”