Ajinkya Rahane has often been labelled a classical batter in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket. While the IPL has largely been dominated by power-hitters, Ajinkya Rahane proved over the years that timing, technique and smart shot selection could be just as destructive. Whether it was anchoring an innings for Rajasthan Royals (RR) or reinventing himself in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) aggressive setup, Rahane consistently adapted his game to the team’s needs. Among his many memorable IPL performances, three innings stand out for their quality, match awareness and impact.
103 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2012): The Innings That Announced Rahane in the IPL
The 2012 season marked Ajinkya Rahane’s arrival as one of the league’s most dependable top-order batters. Facing Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Rahane produced a breathtaking unbeaten 103 off just 60 deliveries, carrying his bat through the innings in a display of controlled aggression as RR amassed 195-2 in 20 overs.
Ajinkya Rahane’s knock, laced with 12 boundaries and five sixes, showcased everything that made Rahane unique. Rahane relied on impeccable timing, elegant drives and clever placement rather than brute force, proving that orthodox cricket could thrive even in the shortest format. RR won the match by a whopping margin of 59 runs against RCB.
The innings powered Rajasthan Royals to a formidable total and remains one of the finest centuries played by an Indian batter in the early years of the IPL. More importantly, it established Rahane as far more than a traditional Test specialist, he had the temperament and stroke-making ability to dominate in T20 cricket as well.
105 vs Delhi Capitals (2019): A Captain’s Knock Under Pressure
Seven years after his maiden IPL century, Ajinkya Rahane once again reminded everyone of his class with another unbeaten hundred, this time against Delhi Capitals in Jaipur.
Leading the Rajasthan Royals, Rahane anchored the innings with a composed yet attacking 105 off 63 balls, striking 11 fours and three sixes. While wickets kept falling around him, he remained calm, carefully balancing risk with responsibility to ensure his team reached a competitive 191. DC though won the match by 5 wickets but Rahane’s knock was the biggest positive.
The innings highlighted Rahane’s maturity as a batter. Rather than chasing personal milestones, he paced the innings perfectly, accelerating when required and keeping Rajasthan in the contest against a quality Delhi bowling attack.
Although Rajasthan couldn’t finish the season strongly, Rahane’s century stood out as one of the finest individual batting performances of the tournament.
61 vs Mumbai Indians (2023): Reinvention in Yellow
If there was one innings that redefined Ajinkya Rahane’s T20 career, it came in 2023 after joining Chennai Super Kings.
Making his debut for CSK at the Wankhede Stadium, Rahane stunned everyone with a fearless 61 off just 27 balls against Mumbai Indians. He raced to a 19-ball half-century, the fastest fifty of the 2023 IPL season at the time, hammering seven fours and three sixes. CSK chased down the target of 158 with ease with 7 wickets in hand
What made this innings remarkable wasn’t just the strike rate; it was the transformation. Known for his measured approach throughout his career, Rahane embraced CSK’s fearless philosophy, attacking from the very first ball and dismantling one of the strongest bowling attacks in the competition.
The knock silenced critics who believed his T20 career was nearing its end and proved that, even after more than a decade in the IPL, Rahane could reinvent himself to suit the demands of modern cricket.