Who is Rachin Ravindra? Rising star of New Zealand cricket.

Bengaluru 20 October (VNI) In today's Test match against India, Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand, whose parents hail from Bengaluru, delivered another standout performance. He made a fine 134 runs in New Zealand’s first innings of 402 after they had bundled out India for just 46 runs. In response, India scored 462, setting a victory target of 107 runs. Rachin was 39 not out when Will Young hit the winning runs, securing him the Player of the Match award for his crucial contributions.

Rachin, born on November 18, 1999, in Wellington, New Zealand, has quickly become a sensation in the cricketing world. His journey into cricket began at a young age, nurtured by his father, Ravi Krishnamurthy, a software architect originally from Bengaluru, who instilled a passion for the sport in him. The unique combination of his name, inspired by cricketing legends Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, hints at the promise and potential this young cricketer holds.

Starting his cricketing journey at just five years old, Rachin played hardball cricket in Wellington and made annual trips to Bengaluru to participate in local club matches, which significantly honed his skills. His ascent through the ranks included standout performances in the Under-19 World Cups, where he earned recognition as a rising star of the game.

Rachin's domestic career took off when he secured a contract with Wellington and made his List A debut against Pakistan A in 2018. By November 2021, he had made his Test debut against India, marking a significant milestone in his career.

His remarkable performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup further established his reputation, with an unforgettable debut match where he scored an unbeaten 123 runs against England—the fastest century by a New Zealander in World Cup history, achieved in just 82 balls. He ended the tournament with an impressive tally of 578 runs at an average of 64.22.

With his recent selection for the 2024 Indian T20 League by Chennai for INR 1.80 crores, Rachin Ravindra is poised to become a key player in the league. His inspiring journey from Wellington to the international stage serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers everywhere.