RAHANE MAKES HIS MENTOR PROUD

Drafted in place of an injured Virender Sehwag during India’s tour to England last year, Ajinkya Rahane knew he had big shoes to fill. The 23- year- old from Mumbai made a favourable impression during the disastrous series, and also spent time with “his idol” Rahul Dravid to help him hone his skills.

On Friday night, with Dravid at the other end, Rahane put all that to use when he hammered a 66- ball 98 to set up Rajasthan Royals’ first win in IPL- 5.

Dravid was lavish in his praise of the youngster, but Rahane, in turn, credited his skipper for the good show.

“It was a proud moment,” said Rahane. “To bat alongside Dravid, and to do well with him at the other end was something special. I am glad I could contribute to the team’s win.”

Talking about his knock, Rahane said he went in “with a blank mind”. “It was very important to shut out everything and concentrate on the job on hand. In between, Rahul bhai kept motivating me and asked me to try and bat the entire 20 overs. It really helped,” he said. Thanks everyone for all the wishes yesterday including the negative ones over the DK dismissal.. cheers all Murali Kartik Pune Warriors spinner To Pune we go first home game in our new stadium should be amazing. But first Bus Bus Jaldi Jao!!! Chalo Pune Chalo. Wayne Parnell SA all- rounder What a start fr Kevon Cooper in his 1st game in the IPL:) Watch out for this guy.. happy to have him on our side;) Shilpa Shetty Actress & RR co- owner mornie Morkel’s pace and hostility is making Delhi Daredevils the team to fear this IPL season Ayaz Memon Cricket analyst Bangalore don’t forget your helmets! Those white spherical objects will be coming ur way Sundar Raman IPL CEO