Rachin Ravindra, the India-origin all-rounder, is set to make a special Test debut in Bengaluru against India, the city where his family hails from. Ravindra, who turns 25 in November, made his Test debut in 2021 against India in Kanpur.
“I guess it makes it extra significant because of the family connection,” said Ravindra. “It’s amazing and I am very proud of my Indian heritage and to be able to play where a lot of my family is based is something very special.”
Ravindra has had a promising start to his international career, scoring 672 runs in 9 Tests at an average of 50.98, including one century and three half-centuries. He has also played 25 ODIs and 23 T20Is.
“There will be a bunch of them (family members) in the crowd, and I know dad will be here watching,” added Ravindra. “Those moments, you pinch yourself on the journey and this is definitely one of them.”
Ravindra announced himself in a big way during the ODI World Cup in India last year, scoring 578 runs in 10 matches that included three centuries. He then went on to represent the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League earlier this year, scoring 222 runs.
“Obviously when I was here last, there was the IPL and then before that it was the ODI World Cup. Two pretty cool experiences to have. (I was) part of two very good teams and had those experiences but I guess it’s something different about playing a Test match,” said Ravindra. “You are here for five days, it’s tradition, Test cricket is the pinnacle. So it’s always nice to play Test cricket, not just in New Zealand but also away.”
Ravindra’s useful spin bowling has also yielded 10 Test wickets so far. He is expected to play a key role in New Zealand’s quest to win their first Test series in India since 1969.
