"Bought this monster at base price" - KKR fans erupt as Ajinkya Rahane plays blistering 98-run knock in SMAT 2024 semi-final
Mumbai's Ajinkya Rahane continued his imperious run in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. The veteran batter played a stellar 98-run knock in the semi-final against Baroda on Friday, December 13.
The opening batter's blistering batting exploits helped Mumbai chase down the 159-run target in 17.2 overs with six wickets in hand. With the victory, Mumbai stormed into the SMAT 2024 final.
Rahane, who was initially unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction last month, was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at his base price of ₹1.50 crore in the accelerator round. He has been in terrific form since being signed by the defending champions, notching up five half-centuries in six innings.
Several KKR fans took to social media after the SMAT 2024 semi-final to react to Rahane's incredible batting exploits.
Here are some of the top reactions:
Many KKR supporters hoped to see Ajinkya Rahane as swashbuckling batter Sunil Narine's opening partner in IPL 2025.
"Narine and rahane destruction at its peak," wrote a fan.
"Would love to see Narine and Rahane opening pair," commented another.
"Narine + rahane," chimed in yet another.
It is worth mentioning that Ajinkya Rahane is the leading run-getter in SMAT 2024. The 36-year-old has amassed 432 runs from seven innings at a strike rate of 169.41.
Ajinkya Rahane has emerged as one of the contenders to lead KKR in IPL 2025
KKR had a dream run in IPL 2024, clinching the coveted trophy under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. However, the franchise parted ways with their ex-skipper ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
The three-time champions are now on the lookout for a new captain, and Ajinkya Rahane, with his recent form, has made a strong case for himself. He also has experience leading in IPL, having captained the Rajasthan Royals and now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in the past.
A source told the Times of India that Rahane's appointment as captain is almost confirmed and the franchise purchased him in the auction keeping his leadership abilities in mind.
It remains to be seen if Rahane will be at the helm of KKR in IPL 2025, considering his dismal captaincy record in the tournament. He has 16 losses to his name from the 25 matches he has captained in the IPL.