Rachin Ravindra, the New Zealand all-rounder, has emerged as a key player for the Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite being an unexpected addition to the starting XI due to an injury to Devon Conway, Ravindra has quickly made an impact as an opener.
In the first two matches, Ravindra set the innings up with a brisk strike rate of over 200, showcasing his eye-catching strokeplay. “I guess the whole thing about being an opener is that you try to put a bit of pressure on the bowler in the PowerPlay when it stops swinging, and I have been able to do that for two games,” said Ravindra.
Ravindra’s impressive performance is particularly noteworthy considering he came into the IPL after playing Tests against Australia back home. However, he has quickly adapted to the shorter format. “It was just about trying to do what I do well in terms of training and being specific about it,” said Ravindra about his preparations.
While Ravindra started his career as a lower-order bat, his graph rose during the ODI World Cup last year, where he scored 578 runs when promoted up the order. When asked if being an opener has unlocked his potential, Ravindra said, “Yes and no. I think it’s just a lot more comfortable being at the top. But I guess during the World Cup, you get an opportunity where you play your shots, and you are like, this is maybe a part of my game.”
Ravindra’s confidence has grown from his experience in the World Cup, and he is now able to execute shots that he had been training but hadn’t used in a game before. “I took a lot of confidence from that and was able to execute some shots that I had been training but hadn’t used in a game before. So yeah, I guess, a bit of that, but I think it’s more about getting time in the middle and the confidence to do that on the big stages.”
