New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra ‘enjoying’ format, role transition

Rachin-Ravindra. (Photo by ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Following his standout display in the World Cup 2023, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra dubbed his cricketing journey as surreal and now looks to make an impact in red-ball cricket. Returning after his last Test in January 2022 against Bangladesh, his inclusion in the two-match series versus Bangladesh stems from his stellar World Cup performance, amassing 578 runs, including three centuries and two half-centuries. Eager to contribute, he eyes a compelling presence in the Test squad.

Ravindra brings some Test experience in Asia, after making his debut during New Zealand’s 2021 tour of India. Expressing his enthusiasm in Sylhet ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh starting November 28, marking the kickoff of the World Test Championship’s third cycle, Ravindra is keen to contribute. As preparations intensify, he eagerly anticipates the challenge, aiming to leverage his prior experience and make a significant impact on New Zealand in this crucial series.

“Pretty surreal. Things have happened quite quickly, and I am very fortunate to be here right now. At my age, being able to travel around the world playing cricket, playing a game you love for a living, is pretty special. [It] definitely has its ups and downs, but mostly I love every single moment,” Rachin said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“I enjoy going back to red-ball cricket after that (ODIs) because that means your intent… you are almost looking to score, so, I mean, [it] keeps you in a good position to score. But probably here [in Bangladesh] it depends on the conditions, what the pitch is doing and it’s probably going to dial that back a little bit, not as many risks. You can still play your natural game, by understanding the surface and the situation of the game dictates you,” he added.

Ravindra sheds light on his role in the middle-order 

The southpaw acknowledged his shift in batting roles, transitioning from his No.3 spot in the World Cup to slot into the middle order for the team, recognising a probable absence of facing the new ball or pacers right away. Anticipating a chance to encounter spinners initially due to his adjusted batting order, he sees this as advantageous. Adapting to this change, he aims to leverage this potential advantage to bolster his contributions to the team’s batting lineup.

“It’s a different role for sure; it’s not a new ball – I might come in and straightaway face a spinner. So [it’s] just [about] wrapping your head around that and seeing what sort of way you can adjust your game plan and get used to facing slower bowling instead of seam up top,” he said.