Ajinkya Rahane is no slogger: Shah

Rajasthan Royals' Ajinkya Rahane became a household name when he blasted the first century of Indian Premier League V against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday.u00a0With 260 runs from five games, Rahane is the proud owner of the Orange Cap - the prize possession of the leading run-getter in the competition.

Royal touch: Ajinkya Rahane celebrates his century against Bangalore on Sunday. Pic/AFP

During that knock against Bangalore on Sunday evening, an unbeaten 103 off 60 balls, Rahane proved that Twenty20 cricket is not always about ugly hoicks, power-hitting and innovative strokes. His innings was built around proper shots. There was never a shot in anger. His cover drives, cuts and aerial shots, were all shots that would have pleased his captain and batting legend, Rahul Dravid.

Owais Shah, the second highest run-getter of IPL V with 204 runs, was in awe of his teammate after Rajasthan's 59-run victory on Sunday. "He (Rahane) is a special talent. He has a calmness about him which shows he is always in control. He plays the ball very late. He times it beautifully," said Shah, who made a 26-ball 60 in the match.

Owais Shah

"Definitely, he has got a bright future. He plays proper cricket shots. He is not a slogger. He always plays nice and straight. I think he batted beautifully," added Shah. Rahane also set a new record in T20. His six fours in one over bowled by Sreenath Aravind, is a first in this format.u00a0

260u00a0The number of runs scored by Ajinkya Rahane in IPL-V - the most by any batsman in the T20 tournament