IPL 2023: Taking away Ajinkya Rahane’s anchor tag help him flourish at CSK, says coach Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming feels taking away Ajinkya Rahane’s anchor tag helped him flourish in the recently concluded IPL 2023. Rahane, who isn’t known for his pyrotechnics in the shortest format of the game, did a fantastic job for CSK while batting in the middle order.

The right-hander played at his best in IPL 2023 as he scored 326 runs in 11 innings at an average of 32.60 and an impressive strike rate of 172.48. Thus, he impressed with his blistering strike rate and he was able to hit the ground running on most occasions.

Furthermore, Rahane smashed a 13-ball 27 cameo in the all-important final against Gujarat Titans to help his team chase down 171 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, and win by five wickets (DLS method).

“My understanding is that we got rid of the tag of being the guy you bat around or bat through. I think that maybe hung over his (Rahane’s) head a little bit too much and didn’t allow him to be the player that he can be. And once that tag was gone, when I turned up halfway through the pre-season training, I saw a guy who was in magnificent form,” Fleming told PTI after the conclusion of IPL 2023.

In fact, the former New Zealand captain revealed Rahane was not in the team’s initial plans for IPL 2023 but their plans changed when the veteran batter smashed a whirlwind knock of 61 runs off just 27 balls against Mumbai Indians.

“He wasn’t in our initial thoughts, but the game in Mumbai was really defining. It was one of our best wins in the tournament and he was the big catalyst behind it, so he cemented that No.3 spot. He has been unwavering the whole way through he’s been nothing but positive, his nets have been positive,” Fleming concluded.

Rahane was timing the ball to perfection in IPL 2023 and he will look to carry the good show in the World Test Championship final against Australia, which will be played at the Oval from June 7.