Ajinkya Rahane's top 3 IPL knocks against DC

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ajinkya Rahane has been thriving at the No.3 position for the franchise in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). The role, instilled with freedom, has unleashed a new version of the orthodox batter.

His recent exploits coupled with his performances in the domestic competitions for Mumbai have earned him a comeback to the national squad as well. The 34-year-old has been called up to the Team India squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia amid the middle-order crisis driven by injury.

While CSK will play their final league contest against the Delhi Capitals (DC), Rahane will be up against his former franchise. After being released by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) following a lengthy stint, the batter was roped in by DC for the 2020 season, where he amassed 11 appearances across two seasons.

As far as his record against DC is concerned, it does not take a second glance to know that the franchise is indeed his most favored opponent. He has played 20 innings against the 2020 IPL finalists over the years and has scored 813 runs at a strike rate of 130.71 and holds an average of 58.07.

On that note, here are Ajinkya Rahane's top 3 IPL knocks against DC.

---

#1 105* off 63 (RR vs DC; Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur; IPL 2019)

One of Rahane's two IPL centuries came against the Delhi Capitals in the 2019 season. After being put into bat first, the experienced batter led the innings and was aided by a sold half-century from Steve Smith.

His batting efforts helped RR pile up 191-6, where he scored 105 runs off 63 deliveries. The century comprised 11 fours and three sixes and he ended up not out, playing the entire 20 overs in the process.

Unfortunately, the knock came in a losing cause as DC's stacked batting unit was able to chase it down with four balls to spare.

---

#2 91 off 54 (RR vs DC; Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai; IPL 2015)

Another one of Rahane's highest IPL scores came against his favorite opposition. After being put into bat by the JP Duminy-led Delhi outfit, he once again anchored the innings and ended up with an unbeaten 91 runs off 54 deliveries.

His knock was laced with nine fours and three sixes, while a final flourish by Karun Nair pushed RR to a commanding total of 189-2 in 20 overs.

DC fell short in their run-chase attempt by 14 runs and Rahane was adjudged the Player of the Match for his exploits with the bat in the first innings.

---

#3 63* off 48 (RPS vs DC; Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi; IPL 2016)

Following RR's suspension from the IPL in 2015, Rahane proceeded to represent the Rising Pune Supergiant for the next couple of years. He was the first-choice opener for the side while his partners kept on changing from Faf du Plessis to Usman Khawaja to other options over the course of the two seasons.

One of his best knocks in RPS colors came against the Delhi Capitals (DC). After opting to field first, RPS restricted DC to 162-7.

The MS Dhoni-led side required a composed run chase and that is exactly what Rahane delivered. The opening batter anchored the chase and finished with an unbeaten 63 runs off 48 deliveries with the help of seven fours.

Cameos from the other end helped their cause as RPS chased down the target with five balls to spare and earned a seven-wicket win. Rahane was also adjudged the Player of the Match for his calm innings in the run chase.

Will the veteran batter score big against DC in the upcoming encounter? Let us know what you think.