We will definitely miss Stokes: Ajinkya Rahane

Rising Supergiant Pune finished second in the points table after the league stages which concluded today. They are set to face Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier on Tuesday at the Wankhede Stadium. It has been an impressive turnaround for RPS as they got off to the worst possible starts this year losing 3 out of their first 4 games. In the next 10 games, they went on to register eight wins to storm into the playoffs, which once looked a far-fetched dream.

Ben Stokes, who had an outstanding outing in this debut IPL season, has departed for England after 14 matches. RPS relied on Stokes’ all-round contributions to reach this far and will surely miss the services of the star all-rounder. They now quickly have to look for a suitable replacement ahead of their qualifier clash against Mumbai.

Ajinkya Rahane looked at ease at the post-match press conference as he has full faith in the international reserves his side possesses. “Yes, we will definitely miss Stokesy because he has done really well for us in both batting and bowling as well as in fielding. But we have a few experienced internationals who have done well in this format. Lockie Ferguson has done well in the one game he played and Usman Khawaja is here too. We are not sure who we’ll play once Stokesy is gone. But all the Indian players are doing well.”

Rahane credits Indian bowlers

Talking about the turnaround after the dismal show up front, Rahane hailed the contribution of the entire team, especially the Indian bowlers who were thin on experience.

“I think credit should be given to our Indian bowlers for the way they bowled under pressure and the manner in which they carried the responsibility that was handed to them,” Rahane said.

“Our Indian bowlers are not that experienced, so it’s difficult for them to bowl under pressure. But the way they bowled throughout the tournament, it was really good. I think our planning was spot-on. I feel bowling meetings and the way we practiced was really good,” he added.

It is often said that momentum is a big factor in the T20 format and RPS gathered it at the right time. The Steven Smith-led side did a fantastic job to sustaining the impulse and would love to take it into the all-important playoffs.

“We got momentum from that game and sustained it,” Rahane added. “If you see, everyone has contributed in all the games. Tripathi, Smith and Stokes got centuries, Mahi bhai played a crucial knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad. As I mentioned, all the Indian bowlers chipped in. Imran Tahir was very good. So I think there was team effort throughout these 14 matches. I feel even in the playoffs, we have to play together as a team.”

Challenge against MI

Mumbai Indians was the first team to qualify for the playoffs while as many as 5 teams were jostling for the remaining three slots. The Rohit Sharma-led side sits pretty at the top of the table and lost just four games during the course of the league phases. Interestingly, RPS had a clean sweep against Mumbai winning both their home and away games which will help them in having an edge for Tuesday’s encounter. Rahane acknowledged that but was wary of how good a side Mumbai is.

“I think it is a psychological advantage for sure but cricket is a game where what you do on the day matters. It is definitely an advantage that we have won two games against them but Mumbai is a very good team. It will be challenging to face them in Mumbai,” Rahane concluded.