Rachin Ravindra, the New Zealand all-rounder, has revealed the secret behind his name. His name is a portmanteau of the first names of two Indian cricket legends: Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. Ravindra’s father, Ravi Krishnamurthy, was a big fan of both Dravid and Tendulkar. He named his son after them in the hope that he would grow up to be a great cricketer. “My dad was a huge fan of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar,” Ravindra said in an interview. “He named me after them in the hope that I would grow up to be a great cricketer like them.” Ravindra has certainly lived up to his father’s expectations. He has made a bright start to his international career, and he is one of the most promising young cricketers in the world.
Fastest Century in New Zealand’s ODI World Cup History
Rachin Ravindra’s dazzling century was the highlight of the match. Promoted to number 3 in the batting order, the 23-year-old unleashed his batting prowess to score an unbeaten 123 runs. What made this innings even more special was its pace – Ravindra reached his century off just 82 deliveries, becoming the fastest New Zealand batter to achieve this milestone in men’s ODI World Cup history. He surpassed Martin Guptill’s record of 88 balls against Bangladesh in 2015. This remarkable feat also crowned him as New Zealand’s youngest World Cup centurion.
Record-Breaking Partnership with Devon Conway
Rachin Ravindra’s brilliance extended beyond his personal milestone. He shared a mesmerizing unbroken partnership of 273 runs with Devon Conway, who himself remained unbeaten at 152. This partnership, crafted over 211 balls, laid the foundation for New Zealand’s emphatic victory.
Sweet Revenge and a Remarkable Journey of Rachin Ravindra
For Rachin Ravindra, this triumph held a special significance. It was a sweet revenge for him as he had witnessed New Zealand’s heartbreak in the finals of the 2019 World Cup against England from a Bengaluru pub. At that time, Ravindra was a 19-year-old on an annual trip to India with his father’s cricket club. The contentious boundary count-back rule that decided the final’s fate remains a topic of debate among cricket enthusiasts to this day.
The Journey of Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra’s journey to cricket stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Born to Indian parents in Wellington, New Zealand, he made his Test debut in India two years ago. His family maintains strong ties with India, with their roots tracing back to Bengaluru.
Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble noted that watching Rachin Ravindra bat reminded him of a young Yuvraj Singh. This praise from a cricketing legend adds another layer of significance to Ravindra’s emerging career.
Reflecting on his maiden century in his 13th ODI appearance, Rachin Ravindra expressed the special feeling associated with it. He also emphasized the camaraderie with his teammate Devon Conway, terming him a good friend. Ravindra’s century, combined with Conway’s spectacular performance, made it an unforgettable day for New Zealand cricket.
Promotion to Number 3 and Unconventional Approach
Rachin Ravindra’s promotion to the number 3 spot in the batting order was a significant decision. His experience of opening for his domestic side, Wellington, had already hinted at his batting prowess. This change in batting order by New Zealand coach Gary Stead provided Ravindra the license to express himself freely on the field. The unconventional move paid off handsomely for the team, ultimately leading to their triumph.
In a post-match press meet, Rachin Ravindra expressed his thoughts on the promotion and the team’s approach. He acknowledged the interesting nature of the decision and highlighted the freedom it granted him to play his natural game.
Man of the Match
Rachin Ravindra’s exceptional performance earned him the well-deserved title of Man of the Match in the opening game against England. His contribution was not limited to batting alone, as he also made an impact with his left-arm bowling, taking a crucial wicket during the match.
As Rachin Ravindra continues to make waves on the international cricket scene, his remarkable journey from being a spectator in a Bengaluru pub during the 2019 World Cup final to becoming a match-winner for New Zealand serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers worldwide. His blend of talent, composure, and the ability to rise to the occasion bodes well for the future of New Zealand cricket.