Ajinkya Rahane opens up on Ben Stokes’ priceless advice during IPL 2017

Ajinkya Rahane opens up on Ben Stokes’ priceless advice during IPL 2017

Former India Captain Ajinkya Rahane Shares Ben Stokes’ Valuable Advice

Former India national cricket team captain Ajinkya Rahane recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, marking the end of his illustrious career. In a recent interview on the Overlap Cricket YouTube channel, Rahane shed light on a piece of advice he received from Ben Stokes during their time playing together for Rising Pune Super Giants during the 2017 TATA Indian Premier League season.

Rahane Reveals Stokes’ Masterful Advice

Rahane credited Stokes with providing him valuable career advice, particularly on how to handle social media pressures during tournaments. Stokes advised Rahane to avoid social media during the IPL season in 2017, which helped Rahane deal with online abuse and trolls. Rahane shared that he now follows a routine of deleting social media apps during tournaments to maintain focus.

Rahane stated, “I remember Ben Stokes advising me not to see social media in 2017. Creating a routine helped me individually deal with this once I am in my room. Just things like watching something on Netflix, reading a book, chatting to family, and ironing my clothes for the next day.”

Rahane’s Approach to Social Media Management

Rahane also disclosed that he has a dedicated team managing his social media accounts. He sends his photos to the team, who make any necessary edits before posting. While there is a temptation to check social media after a good performance, Rahane emphasized the importance of not getting carried away by fan reactions and overwhelming messages.

Rahane explained, “I have my team who manage everything. Whatever I’ve to post, I generally send them the photo, and if there is anything to be approved, they’ll send it to me. This really helped me a lot on tours.”

Ajinkya Rahane: The Underrated Captain

Rahane is regarded as one of the most underrated cricketers and captains of all-time. He played a pivotal role in India’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. In the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli and with several young players sidelined due to injuries, Rahane led India to a memorable series victory in the 2020-21 series against a full-strength Australian team.

Rahane’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket, but his legacy as a resilient and composed leader both on and off the field will be remembered for years to come.

Ben Stokes’ Impact on Ajinkya Rahane’s Career

Ben Stokes’ advice on social media management had a significant impact on Ajinkya Rahane’s career. By following Stokes’ guidance to avoid social media during tournaments, Rahane was able to maintain his focus and not be distracted by external pressures. This approach not only helped him deal with online abuse and trolls but also allowed him to prioritize his mental well-being and performance on the field.

Stokes’ advice highlights the importance of mental discipline and self-care in the competitive world of professional sports. As athletes are constantly under the spotlight and subject to scrutiny on social media, finding ways to protect one’s mental health and stay focused is crucial for long-term success. Rahane’s adoption of a routine that includes activities like watching Netflix, reading, and spending time with family showcases the importance of maintaining a balance between the demands of the sport and personal well-being.

Strategies for Social Media Management in Sports

The insight shared by Ajinkya Rahane regarding his social media management strategies offers valuable lessons for other athletes navigating the digital landscape. With the rise of social media platforms, athletes are more exposed than ever to both praise and criticism from fans and followers. Developing a structured approach to social media, such as delegating account management to a dedicated team and setting boundaries during crucial periods like tournaments, can help athletes maintain a healthy relationship with online platforms.

By recognizing the potential distractions and negativity that social media can bring, athletes like Rahane demonstrate the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and performance over external validation. As social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public perception and athlete branding, finding a balance between engagement and detachment is key to staying focused on the game and personal growth.

Legacy of Ajinkya Rahane in Indian Cricket

Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career that showcased his resilience, composure, and leadership qualities on and off the field. His contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in leading the team to historic victories in Australia, have solidified his legacy as a true team player and captain. Rahane’s ability to step up in challenging situations and inspire his teammates to perform at their best has earned him respect and admiration from fans and fellow cricketers alike.

As one of the underrated cricketers of his generation, Rahane’s impact goes beyond statistics and records. His ability to lead by example, stay calm under pressure, and make crucial decisions in critical moments has left a lasting impression on the cricketing world. While his retirement may mark the end of an era, Rahane’s influence and legacy in Indian cricket will continue to inspire future generations of players.

In conclusion, Ajinkya Rahane’s journey in cricket, enriched by valuable advice from peers like Ben Stokes and his own strategic approach to social media management, serves as a testament to the importance of mental resilience, self-care, and leadership in sports. The lessons learned from Rahane’s career extend beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, offering insights that can benefit athletes in all disciplines as they navigate the challenges of modern-day sports and media scrutiny.

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