Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel survived 52 deliveries to draw the Test match for New Zealand.
New Zealand debutant Rachin Ravindra may not have got a big score in his first Test match, but he played a gritty knock on the final day of the match. He helped the Kiwis save the Test match which ended in a draw eventually after India failed to pick up New Zealand's final wicket.
Rachin and Ajaz Patel's partnership for the final wicket was commendable as they survived 52 deliveries before the bad light didn't allow extra overs for Team India. The series now has one more match to go which will be played in Mumbai from December 3.
Speaking after the match, Patel asked Rachin to share his experience from his first Test match. “I remember my first test match, I was really nervous and my hands were shaking when I first got the ball. How was it for you?”, asked Patel, who made his Test debut in 2018 against Pakistan.
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Rachin revealed he was initially nervous but the all-rounder settled down after a few deliveries. “I felt a little nervous, bowling. We were about four down in the first innings when I was next time, so I definitely noticed a few butterflies (that time), but I think after a few balls I did what I do. Fortunately, it ended okay," he replied.
The 22-year-old has his roots in India as both the parents are Indian. His name 'Rachin' is inspired by the Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
“Being able to play in India in front of crazy fans. Glad to have done so. My mom and dad have had such a huge impact on my career. I’m sure they are proud. We did it together bro,” he said, sharing a smile with Patel.
New Zealand looked completely out of the game and the final wicket was just a matter of time when India's spin trio, R Ashwin, Akshar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja were looking threatening on a Day 5 pitch.
Rachin, in another video posted by New Zealand Cricket, said the partnership with Patel was unforgettable and nerve-wracking. “I think I was actually okay in the end, I knew my process, my training, and I backed up to do it. You’re a little pretty focused and taking in the crowd, you know how high they were.
“It was pretty nerve-wracking. I suppose we (he and Patel) somehow managed our nerves together. It is a moment I will never forget.
“It’s the kind of thing you dream of as a child. You see test matches like that, and that’s where your heroes and idols come into being," he added.
The Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson praised Rachin for surviving the last few overs which saved the match for them. “It was great and it was great to see the guys like Kane and Ross (Taylor) come up to me and talk about it, guys that I have idolized and seen playing cricket for a long time.
“Being able to share a locker room with them and chat with them about the game was great. Kane also mentioned it, not many teams lose the throw and are able to steal a draw (in India)."
(With PTI Inputs)