Ajinkya Rahane wasn't in our initial thoughts, but the game in Mumbai was really defining: Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming was full of praise for senior India batter Ajinkya Rahane, who was very crucial for the MS Dhoni-led side in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). On Monday, May 29, CSK overcame Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets via the DLS method in the IPL 2023 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Rahane had a wonderful season, amassing 326 runs from 14 innings, including two half-centuries at a strike rate of 172.48. When asked what changed in Rahane's philosophy of not trying to be an anchor batter, Fleming said that they got rid of the tag of Rahane being the guy who bats around or bats through. He added that it might have hung over the batter’s head, stopping him from becoming the player he is capable of being. He further said that once that tag had been removed, he saw the senior batter in fantastic shape.

"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 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 preseason training, I saw a guy who was in magnificent form," Fleming told the media after CSK's IPL final win as quoted by NDTV

Rahane has been a wonderful player for us this year: Fleming

The former New Zealand cricketer further said that the 34-year-old batter was not initially considered by CSK, although it is worth noting his performance against Mumbai Indians (MI). The former New Zealand international also said that it was one of their best wins this season and he was the reason for it, which is how he acquired the number three spot. He further added that Rahane has been a wonderful player for CSK this season.

"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. Anytime he's been caught on the boundary or outplaying a big shot, we've just reinforced how good he's playing. So a little bit of belief and just sheer ability — he's been a wonderful player for us this year," the 50-year-old said.