IPL 2020: Ajinkya Rahane moves away from Rajasthan Royals, joins Delhi Capitals
India’s Test vice-captain has decided to switch sides for the upcoming IPL. After representing Rajasthan Royals for seven seasons, Ajinkya Rahane will now be playing for Delhi Capitals. The Delhi franchise have traded spinners Mayank Markande and Rahul Tewatia for Rahane. The Mumbai batsman has played in 11 IPL seasons thus far and has represented three franchises (Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiants). Delhi Capitals will be Rahane’s fourth team in the premier T20 tournament.
Also read: IPL 2020 Trade Window: Trent Boult traded to Mumbai Indians, Gowtham to KXIP
Rahane’s 100-match journey with RR ends
Rahane began his IPL career with Mumbai Indians, however, his performances were not eye-catching. He struggled in the first season with Rajasthan Royals but emerged with a spectacular performance in 2012 which remains his best in the IPL. In 2012, Rahane amassed 560 runs with one century and three fifties. With the stellar season, he sealed his place at the opening slot and has been a constant for the Royals. Thus far, he has played 100 IPL matches for the Royals with 2810 runs at an average around 34.
NEWS?: After 100 games with Rajasthan Royals @ajinkyarahane88 moves to @DelhiCapitals. @MarkandeMayank and Rahul Tewatia traded to @rajasthanroyals
Details – https://t.co/9iq0qu46Bd pic.twitter.com/qvjBKUPmzQ
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) November 14, 2019
In the 2019 season, Royals sacked Rahane from captaincy mid-season and handed it to Steve Smith. The former captain is likely to feel at home in Delhi Capitals. His childhood coach Pravin Amre serves DC in a coaching capacity. His Mumbai teammates Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw are already a part of the Delhi side. As a side full of young batting talent, Delhi will be looking forward to adding some experience alongside Shikhar Dhawan. Rahane at Delhi Capitals will help provide stability to the volatile batting order.
Apart from Rahane, Rajasthan Royals have also released their fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni (to MI) and spin all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham (to KXIP). From Kings XI Punjab, they will be signing Ankit Rajpoot as a trade-off.
