Report | Ajinkya Rahane may complete move to Delhi Capitals ahead of next seasons of IPL
According to IANS sources, as reported by TOI, Ajinkya Rahane may terminate his contract with Rajasthan Royals having served them for long and may don the colours of Delhi Capitals next season. The GMR-JSW-owned franchise is working on securing his signature in their bid to win a maiden IPL title.
Ajinkya Rahane has played for three IPL franchises in his seasons of participating in the tournament, yet his name has become attached to the Rajasthan Royals like no other franchise. He has been the face of the team for long and has served successfully as its skipper for multiple seasons.
However, last season he was stripped of his captaincy in favour of Australian Steven Smith, with his form also not up to his usual standards. Rahane had started his IPL career playing with the Mumbai Indians before joining the Royals in 2011. Even then, he represented Pune for a couple of seasons following Rajasthan’s suspension and is now on the brink of making another big move.
"Yes, DC is trying to get Rahane onboard, but too early to say if the deal will see the light of the day. A lot of things need to be taken care of before the dotted line is signed. RR's take on the whole issue can also not be discounted since he has been a huge ambassador for them. But yes, talks are on," the IANS source was reported saying by TOI.
While Rahane helped the Royals reach three playoffs in six seasons, Delhi last year ended a seven-year wait to make it to the knockout rounds. The change in fortune came after the takeover by JSW Group earlier in the year, who helped the team sign stalwarts such as Shikhar Dhawan and Ishant Sharma. The presence of such experienced personnel is complemented by youngsters such as Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw, and their latest coup of Rahane will help add more firepower to what is already a very talented squad.
"The side has attempted to get the right balance between youth and experience and what Rahane brings to the table isn't something one needs to talk about. It is there for all to see. Dhawan and Ishant Sharma showed what having experienced heads in the dug-out means when the situation is tough and this could be a dream move if sealed," a DC official told IANS.
