Ajinkya Rahane auditions for KKR captaincy with explosive 45-ball 84 in SMAT

Ajinkya Rahane auditions for KKR captaincy with explosive 45-ball 84 in SMAT (X/Rokte_Amarr_KKR)

The doors maybe shut for Ajinkya Rahane's return to the international circuit but the 36-year-old has shown that he still has a lot to offer. On Wednesday, Rahane smoked 85 off just 45 deliveries at a strike-rate of 186.67 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) quarterfinal action against Vidarbha at the KSCA Cricket Ground in Alur. His efforts helped Mumbai complete an emphatic six-wicket win despite chasing a tough 222.

Rahane, who opened the innings with Prithvi Shaw, added 83 runs for the first wicket in 7 overs. Shaw was dismissed for 49 off 26 balls, which featured five 4s and four 6s. Skipper Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav then joined the stalwart in the middle but failed to give him much support and were dismissed for single-digit scores.

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Rahane continued the show with Shivam Dube before losing his wicket in the 16th over bowled by Yash Thakur. By the time Rahane was dismissed Mumbai were batting at 157/4 in 15.1 overs, still requring 65 from 4.5 overs. Rahane's innings featured ten boundaries and three maximums.

Petition to change the definition of 'consistency' to Ajinkya Rahane! #SMAT2024 pic.twitter.com/gxrPWM5SLO
KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 11, 2024

Rahane in terrific form

Rahane has been enjoying good form at the SMAT 2024 and has so far amassed 334 runs from six innings. His average has been 55.67, while his strike-rate is touching 170. He has in fact hit four half-centuries, with 54-ball 95 against Andhra being his highest score, which came when Mumbai were chasing 230.

Rahane auditions for KKR captaincy

The defending champions failed to bring in their title-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer at the IPL mega auction held in Jeddah last month. The franchise had made six retention ahead of the auction but didn't retain Shreyas, who was acquired by Punjab Kings as the second highest purchase in the history of IPL auction. Punjab splurged Rs 26.75 crore to get the middle-order batter in their ranks.

We are so ready for captain Ajinkya Rahane era! pic.twitter.com/lUZT3eDCkj abhi (@CFCAbhii) December 11, 2024

Going into the new season we'll see KKR being led by a new skipper and Venkatesh Iyer, who left most surprised by pocketing Rs 23.75 crore at the auction, has expressed his desire to don the role. However, nothing on such lines have been confirmed by the franchise yet and Rahane, who has previously led India and Rising Pune SuperGiants (now defunct) and Rajasthan Royals in the past, is projected by many to take the role.