Rajasthan Royals skipper Ajinkya Rahane said that his side played a ‘perfect’ game after eliminating Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore from the play-offs race.

With the 30-run win over Virat’s side, Rajasthan have kept their hope alive. Talking about the game, a delighted Ajinkya Rahane said, “I am happy and every captain and team management wants that in difficult situations team members should stand up and perform. It was a perfect night for us where we played as a team.”

In Rajasthan’s win, opener Rahul Tripathi and leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal (4/16) played the key role. First Tripathi hammered RCB bowlers and then Gopal ruined Ballooner’s batting lineups with his magical spell.

“We know Rahul is a quality player and we back him. We know he can play under pressure. He did not play well in his last few innings but he has tremendous talent. I think he will go up from here. His innings and also the little cameo from Heinrich Klaasen (32 off 21 balls) in middle overs where it is difficult to bat were magnificent efforts,” Rahane said after the match.

Ajinkya Rahane also heaped praises on Rajasthan’s leggie Gopal. “He really bowled well. He was bowling with good momentum. With both the right-handers at the crease we knew with his slow wrist spin there were chances of him picking wickets,” Rahane said talking about Gopal.

When Rahane was asked about Rajasthan’s chances for making it to play-offs, he said, “We have done what we could and cannot control things which are not in our hands. We would wait and watch because it is in God’s hands whether we qualify for the play-offs or not.”

“We all are positive and happy with the way things have gone. We were without Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes but it is important to play as a unit. It is not that one or two guys win matches for any team but you need to play as a unit. We have to stay positive and do whatever we can visualise for the play-offs.”

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane also further said that he is not worried about his form.

“I have not been among runs in last 4-5 games but I am confident at the moment. When you switch your position from coming at the top down to three or four it is important to read the situation and what the team wants from you. It is all about giving your best rather than thinking about your own performance. It ultimately is the result which matters in the end,” said Rahane.