Rachin Ravindra, the rising star of New Zealand cricket, has once again showcased his exceptional batting prowess, this time on Indian soil. In the recently concluded first Test match against India at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Ravindra played a pivotal role in his team’s historic eight-wicket victory.
Ravindra’s impressive performance, which included a match-winning 134 and an unbeaten 39, earned him the Player of the Match award. His ability to adapt to the challenging Indian conditions and play with composure and precision was evident throughout the match.
Speaking after the match, Ravindra attributed his success to a combination of form and meticulous preparation. He emphasized the importance of understanding the nuances of playing in India, particularly the need to maintain a solid stance and move forward and back to create scoring opportunities.
“I guess it’s a combination of both (form and preparation),” Ravindra said. “As long as I have clarity of what needs to be done and I know what my plan is, it’s great.”
Ravindra’s preparation for the tour included a week-long stint at the Chennai Super Kings high-performance academy in Chennai, where he worked closely with coach Sriram Krishnamurthy. This experience proved invaluable, as it allowed him to acclimatize to the different surfaces and bowling styles he would encounter in India.
“Preparation does help,” Ravindra said. “When you’ve got six Tests in a row, you’re always looking to do something extra. Lucky enough it all worked out today.”
Ravindra’s performance in Bengaluru was particularly special for him, as his father, Ravindra Krishnamurthy, was in attendance. The city holds a special significance for Ravindra, as his family hails from there.
“It’s a nice city, and a nice wicket to bat on,” Ravindra said. “So the odds are in my favor. Whenever I play in Bangalore, it’s quite nice to have the support. My phone starts blowing up. The fans are great too, I love the support. It’s nice having dad and close family here, it always makes it special.”
Ravindra’s success in India is a testament to his talent, hard work, and adaptability. As New Zealand continues its tour, he will undoubtedly be a key player for the team, looking to build on his impressive start and contribute to further victories.
