I want to let my bat do the talking: Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has taken the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League by storm with his blistering knocks and six-hitting abilities. At Eden Gardens on Sunday, the right-handed batter was in full flow against his former team, Kolkata Knight Riders, and enthralled the fans with a blazing half-century. 

After being asked to bat first, the Mumbaikar slammed an unbeaten 71 off 29 deliveries that laid a solid foundation for the visiting side in their bid to post 235 for four in the first innings. 

In the post-match press conference, the 34-year-old shared insights on his knock and the reason behind his improved league performance. "I really enjoyed my knock, and I still feel my best is yet to come. The way I am batting right now, I need to keep contributing to the team and not think too much about myself or the outcome."

"The turning point for me is that I am getting a chance to play. If you see a couple of years back, I was not getting a chance to play. If you can't play consistently, you cannot show the kind of shots you have." 

"At CSK, I have been given a chance to play, and I was very happy when CSK picked me. When you play under Mahi bhai, you get an opportunity to learn a lot. As a player and a batsman, you always try to improve and grow as a cricketer," he added. 

Rahane also stated that with the ever-evolving nature of the format, he tries to improve one shot every day, and it has worked well for him in the tournament. 

"The way this format is going, as an individual, you need to keep growing and developing as a player. My preparations were always right, and I was working on at least one shot every time, and because of the chance CSK gave me, I could demonstrate what shots I have in my arsenal. 

"I want to be in the moment, live in the present and take it one match at a time. I want to let my bat do the talking," he said. 

The 34-year-old also believes in being the best version of himself and playing proper cricketing shorts that will help him reap massive dividends in the coming games. 

"Everyone has a different style on how they play. For me, it is all about timing the ball and playing proper cricketing shots. It is all about just backing my game in the middle. It is really important rather than trying to copy someone else. There are power hitters who are also doing well, but it's important to back your own style and method," he concluded. 

Chennai Super Kings will now face Rajasthan Royals in an evening encounter on Thursday, April 27, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.