Delhi Capitals (DC) seem to have found the go-to combination when it comes to their batting unit in the solitary 6-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Monday. Under-fire openers Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane both got the nod in the playing 11. Though Shaw failed to convert his start into a big knock, Rahane bagged his first half-century of the campaign, playing a huge role in the team’s victory.
Speaking to teammate Shikhar Dhawan with whom Rahane registered an 88-run partnership, the right-hander admitted being disappointed with the lack of opportunities. After being asked to bat at No. 3 by head coach Ricky Ponting, Rahane ensured that he channeled all his frustration into producing a match-winning knock for the team.
“I was disappointed when I didn’t get to play. Felt good after contributing to the team’s win and enjoyed batting with you (Dhawan). The way you batted I learned a lot,” Rahane told teammate Dhawan during a chat for IPLT20.com.
“Ricky told me that I am going to bat at number three and I felt that a good opportunity is there. As a player, if you contribute in the crunch situations you feel good and when the team wins the joy doubles,” he added. With this win, Delhi will now play against Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier and the winner of that match will qualify directly for the finals.
Rahane now needs to shift focus on the Qualifier 1 against Mumbai Indians on Thursday where DC will take on Mumbai Indians for a spot in the final.
