‘IPL gave us a platform to express ourselves’ - Ajinkya Rahane on Dale Steyn’s comments

Ajinkya Rahane, the vice-captain of India’s Test team, stated that the Indian Premier League (IPL) gives the players a platform to express themselves. Rahane’s comments came after Dale Steyn, the veteran South African fast bowler, said that he opted out of the IPL as he found the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as “slightly more rewarding”.

Steyn, who’s currently playing for the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 2021, said that cricket, sometimes, takes a backseat in the IPL, and the focus shifts to money. Rahane, apart from responding to Steyn’s opinion, is focussed on India’s fourth Test against England, starting March 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Ajinkya Rahane opens up

“I am here to talk about the fourth Test match and not here to talk about PSL or Sri Lanka Premier League. IPL gave us that platform to express ourselves and also to a lot of Indians players. I am not sure what Dale Steyn has said, I am here to talk about this Test match,” Rahane was quoted as saying in a virtual press conference.

Rahane also updated on Umesh Yadav, who was added to the squad ahead of the third Test as a replacement of Shardul Thakur. Rahane mentioned that the speedster is raring to take the field for the final Test of the series.

“Umesh is ready to go, he is looking really good and he is bowling really well. He had a good session in the nets and we are really happy that he is back,” Rahane stated.

If India manage a draw in the last Test, they would be qualifying for the final of the World Test Championship against New Zealand. However, Rahane wants the hosts to focus on the game and not look too far ahead.

“We always look to win the Test match, we are not looking for a draw so this Test is no different. We are not focusing on what will happen in June. We are just focusing on this Test match,” Rahane added.

India won the third pink-ball Test by 10 wickets and are leading the four-match series 2-1.