‘Aisi kaunsi speech de raha Thala dressing room me’- Twitter can’t contain its excitemenent as Ajinkya Rahane hits fastest half-century of IPL 2023 against MI

On Saturday, in an IPL 2023 match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Ajinkya Rahane made his debut for CSK and made a stunning impact. Coming in at no. 3 after the early dismissal of Devon Conway, Rahane wasted no time in getting off the mark and then began to take control of the match.

In the second over, Rahane swivel-pulled a short ball from Jason Behrendorff over deep fine leg for six. He then smashed left-armer Arshad Khan for 23 runs in the fourth over, hitting a six and four successive fours. This included some elegant drives through the off-side and a couple of well-timed pull shots.

Rahane’s fifty came off just 19 balls, making it the fastest half-century of the season so far. He reached the milestone with successive fours off Piyush Chawla in the sixth over. The 34-year-old Mumbaikar’s innings was marked by some exquisite strokeplay and impeccable timing.

Interestingly, Rahane became only the second batsman after Prithvi Shaw to hit six boundaries in an over in the IPL. His innings was a testament to his class and skill as he played with confidence and authority, taking on the MI bowlers with ease.

Overall, Rahane’s innings of 61 off just 27 balls was a belligerent knock that included seven fours and three sixes. He eventually holed out to long-on off Chawla, but his contribution had set the tone for CSK’s chase.

At the end of 10 overs, CSK were cruising at 98/2, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube at the crease. Rahane’s knock had put his team in a comfortable position, and the rest of the batting order could play with less pressure.

It was an impressive debut for Rahane, who has played for seven different IPL franchises since making his debut in 2008. His experience and skill will be crucial for Chennai Super Kings as they look to make a strong push for the playoffs in IPL 2023.