Our bowlers deserve credit for victory, says Ajinkya Rahane

Mumbai: While he won the Man of the Match award for his unbeaten 66-run knock, Ajinkya Rahane credited Rising Pune Supergiants’ bowlers after the MS Dhoni-led side defeated Mumbai Indians in the opening game of IPL 9 in Mumbai on Saturday.

“First game is always important to get the momentum. I felt it was important to bowl well on this wicket. We thought this could be 170-180-run wicket before the game. But I felt that the ball was stopping a bit. Credit goes to our bowlers because in first six overs, we got their 4-5 wickets,” said Rahane.

“Later on (while batting), my thinking was to take my time because I knew that the ball was stopping and seaming a bit. I wanted to play close to my body. In first six over, I did not want to take too many chances and wanted to play proper cricket shots," added Rahane.

Rahane and Faf du Plessis laid a solid foundation as Rising Pune Supergianats did not break any sweat to sail past Mumbai Indians’ total. The duo batted together for the fist time and Rahane enjoyed the experience.

When asked how was it to bat alongside Kevin Pietersen, Rahane said,” It was fun to bat with KP. When he came in, he told me to play my game. It was very different (to hear) when Pietersen said I will give you strike. It is good to have him.”

Rahane, who had spent more than a handful of seasons at the now-suspended Rajasthan Royals, was picked by new IPL entrants Rising Pune Supergianst during IPL draft, said:

“It is important to adjust quickly. Few guys had played for Chennai Super Kings, few played for RR. But it is important to play here as a unit. It will take one more game to gel together. But I feel we have a great team with experienced cricketers and good bowling attack.”

Rahane, who struggled to get into India’s limited-over side, is playing as a regular opener in the Pune-based IPL side. However, that did not hamper his confidence saying, “I am always confident whether I play not. I know my attitude is good.”

While RPS’ bowlers did a commendable job, their premier spinner R Ashwin bowled only an over. Rahane said: "This was a slightly seamer-friendly wicket. Ashwin is an experienced bowler, a quality bowler. (But) today (on Saturday) I felt our fast bowlers were bowling really well. It was important to take the wickets and not give many runs. They were bowling in the right areas. I felt Ishant (Sharma), R P Singh, Mitchell Marsh and even Rajat Bhatia bowled really well.”

The young right-hand batsman singled out Murugan Ashwin for praise. The leggie in his quota of four overs conceded just 16 runs and picked a wicket.

“I think debutant M Ashwin also bowled really well under pressure. I am not sure their batsmen had played him before," concluded Rahane.