Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand all-rounder, has been outstanding in the ongoing World Cup 2023. With 565 runs in 9 games, the all-rounder is the Kiwis' leading run-scorer. So far, the 23-year-old has three centuries and a couple of fifty-plus scores, making him one of the brightest stars of the CWC 2023.
Ravindra’s parents belong to Bengaluru but moved to New Zealand before the cricketer was born. Rachin’s name is a combination of the names of two Indian batting legends Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. His parents are huge fans of cricket and hence named him after two of India’s best.
Ravindra is currently in Bengaluru as New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka in their final league stage match to put one foot into the semi-finals.
This also allowed the cricketer to visit his grandparents who live in the city. In a viral video on social media, Ravindra’s grandmother could be seen praying for his well-being and performing an old Indian ritual to protect her grandson from evil eyes.
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On Thursday night, the crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium chanted Ravindra’s name in unison when he was out there to bat against Sri Lanka. Chasing 172, the Kiwi all-rounder scored 42 off 34 balls as New Zealand won the game by 5 wickets.
Ravindra admitted it felt “surreal” to hear his name being chanted by Indian fans during Thursday’s World Cup win over Sri Lanka.
“It’s a pretty surreal feeling. I am grateful for the support, especially playing in Bangalore. The crowd chanting my name is something I will never take for granted. I dreamt of it as a child. I feel thrilled to be here, lucky enough it worked out,” Ravindra told official broadcasters after the match.
Ravindra also talked about how he only made it into the New Zealand XI in the World Cup because skipper Kane Williamson needed more time to recover from his knee injury.
“Six to 12 months ago, I wasn’t even in the frame. It’s a funny one. I have idolized Kane. I have idolized a lot like Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, and Joe Root. But Kane, his leadership, on and off the field, just keeps it calm,” he added.
Given that the mathematical equation for Pakistan and Afghanistan is near impossible, New Zealand might face off against India in the first semi-final of the tournament in Mumbai on November 15.
