CWC 2023: Rachin Ravindra’s India connect & his importance for New Zealand
A blistering 123* off just 96 balls, that’s exactly how Rachin Ravindra made his ODI World Cup debut. In the opening match against England, the defending champions, the Indian origin player proved his mettle and capabilities.
He also managed to get a wicket in his quota of 10 overs in the match, and since then Ravindra has become an inseparable member of the Kiwi’s ODI World Cup squad.
The Indian connection
What might have helped Ravindra is that he is playing in India again, a place which he is all too familiar with and is his second home. Even his first name – Rachin – is inspired by two Indian cricket legends - Rahul (Dravid) and Sachin (Tendulkar). All thanks to his father, Ravi Krishnamurthy. Krishnamurthy played club cricket in Bengaluru, his hometown, before he moved out from India in search of a better career. After settling in New Zealand finally, he raised his family there. Ravindra was born in Wellington, but he has travelled to India countless times.
And these are not just restricted to family visits, but proper club level cricket, thanks to the Hutt Hawks Cricket Club which his father started. Hutt Hawks sends a team each year to play in India against various opponents and in different venues. Ravindra has benefitted immensely from the time he has spent playing and learning in the subcontinent, and its effects are for everyone to see.
Rachin Ravindra ODI debut
It is important to note that Ravindra’s ODI debut only happened in March 2023, so he’s still relatively fresh and has miles to go. In his debut game, Ravindra had grabbed eyeballs after hitting a quick 49 from 52 deliveries against a decent Sri Lanka bowling unit.
He was involved in the only half-century stand in that game, which was 66 off 59 balls. However, once his partner Glenn Philips departed Ravindra had continued to smack the bowlers with tail-enders. His batting ensured the Kiwis ended their innings with a decent score of 274, and won the game by bowling out Lanka batters in under 20 overs for a paltry 76 runs.
Read More: CWC 2023, ENG vs NZ: Ravindra, Conway's blitzkreig ensures a 9-wicket victory for New Zealand
Rachin Ravindra ODI career
Till now, Ravindra has played 16 ODIs for New Zealand, and has batted in 12 innings – scoring a total of 404 runs at an average of 36.72 & strike rate of 109.18.
It’s amazing that a staggering 215 runs have come in his four games in the ongoing World Cup. These runs have come at an average of 71.66 and at a strike rate of 106.96. He currently sits at the 7th place in the list of players with most runs in World Cup 2023, a tally which he would definitely want to be a part of.
Moreover, in his ODI career so far, Ravindra has bowled in 13 innings, and has taken 15 wickets, with best figures of 4/60.
The southpaw, who also is a slow left-arm orthodox spinner, will definitely seek to add more runs and wickets to his tally in the World Cup. His performances on the field for New Zealand are being appreciated by fans, and he looks set to have an impact on the game in the days ahead.
The Kiwis will face the World Cup 2023 hosts India on October 21. New Zealand are at the top of the points table, with India being a close second. This match will therefore decide the leader of the points table, and also the bragging rights as both teams have so far been undefeated in the tournament.
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