Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra, born on 18 November 1999, is a cricketing prodigy from New Zealand who has taken the international cricket scene by storm. His journey from the streets of Wellington to making a sensational World Cup debut is a testament to his immense talent and dedication to the sport. Ravindra was born in Wellington, New Zealand, to parents of Indian New Zealander origin. His father, Ravi Krishnamurthy, a software architect, had a passion for cricket and played club-level cricket in his hometown of Bengaluru before embarking on a new life in New Zealand in 1997. It was in this cricket-loving family that Rachin's love for the game was nurtured. Interestingly, Rachin Ravindra's first name is a portmanteau, cleverly crafted by his parents, who combined the first names of two cricketing legends, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, to name their son. This unique nomenclature perhaps foreshadowed the bright future that awaited the young cricketer.

Ravindra's early years were marked by his initiation into the world of cricket at a tender age of 5, where he began playing hardball cricket in Wellington. However, what truly sets him apart is his annual pilgrimage to Bengaluru, where he would fly to participate in club cricket. This journey to India, the land of cricketing legends, allowed Rachin to hone his skills, adapt to different playing conditions, and mature as a cricketer. His journey to prominence continued as he donned the New Zealand jersey at the 2016 and 2018 Under-19 World Cups, where he showcased his exceptional cricketing abilities. In fact, his performances at the 2018 edition were so remarkable that the International Cricket Council (ICC) bestowed upon him the title of the rising star of the squad. This recognition marked Rachin Ravindra as a player to watch out for in the years to come.

The year 2018 was significant for Rachin as he secured a contract with Wellington for the 2018–19 season. This marked a pivotal moment in his domestic cricket career and provided him with the platform to further enhance his skills and make a significant impact on the New Zealand cricketing landscape. In October 2018, Ravindra made his List A debut for New Zealand A against Pakistan A, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. His performances were not unnoticed, and he soon made his first-class debut for New Zealand A, also against Pakistan A, in the same month. His rapid ascent was punctuated by moments of brilliance, none more so than when he scored his first century in List A cricket while playing for Wellington against Auckland in the 2019–20 Ford Trophy. This century was a testament to his batting prowess and a sign of the potential that lay within him. In March 2020, during round six of the 2019–20 Plunket Shield season, he notched up his maiden century in first-class cricket, reinforcing his versatility as a batsman in the longer format of the game.

Consistent performances and a hunger for success marked Rachin Ravindra's journey into domestic cricket in New Zealand. In June 2020, Wellington offered him a contract ahead of the 2020–21 domestic cricket season, a testament to his value as an all-round performer for the team. In November, he was named in the New Zealand A cricket team for practice matches against the touring West Indies team. His performances in these practice matches, including a century, served as a testament to his readiness for the international stage. The year 2021 was a watershed moment in Rachin Ravindra's cricketing journey. In April, he received a call-up to the New Zealand Test squad for their series against England, marking his entry into the highest echelons of international cricket. This was further underscored when he was named in the squad for the final of the 2019–21 ICC World Test Championship. The world was beginning to take notice of this young, talented cricketer.

Ravindra's adaptability was on full display in August 2021 when he was named in New Zealand's Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their tour of Bangladesh. This selection marked his entry into the high-octane world of T20 internationals. In addition, he found himself in the One Day International (ODI) squad for their tour of Pakistan. September 2021 was a historic moment in his career, as he made his T20I debut against Bangladesh. This was a significant milestone for the young all-rounder, as he embraced the challenge of white-ball cricket on the international stage. In November 2021, Rachin Ravindra was named in New Zealand's Test squad for their series against India. This was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and he made his Test debut on 25 November 2021, representing New Zealand against India. This moment was a dream come true for the young cricketer, and he embraced the longer format with zeal and determination.

However, Ravindra's cricketing journey did not stop there. In June 2022, he embarked on a new adventure by signing with Durham County Cricket Club to play in the County Championship in England. In his debut match for Durham, Rachin Ravindra showcased his class by scoring a century against Worcestershire. But he didn't stop there; he went on to convert that century into a remarkable double century, amassing 217 runs. His exploits in the County Championship further established his credentials as a versatile and dependable batsman. March 2023 marked another significant milestone in Rachin Ravindra's career as he made his ODI debut for New Zealand against Sri Lanka. This transition into the 50-over format showcased his versatility as a cricketer, equally adept at both batting and bowling.

The zenith of Rachin Ravindra's journey arrived when he was named in New Zealand's squad for the 2023 World Cup. His World Cup debut was nothing short of spectacular. Batting at number 3 in the opening match against England, he crafted an extraordinary century, scoring an unbeaten 123 runs from just 96 balls. This was not just any century; it was the fastest century by any New Zealand player in World Cups, completed in a mere 82 balls. Along with Devon Conway, he forged the fourth-highest partnership in World Cup history, propelling New Zealand to a remarkable victory against the defending champions. Rachin Ravindra's exploits were not confined to just one memorable inning. He followed up with two more hundred against Australia (116 off 89) and Pakistan (108 off 94), respectively, showcasing excellent bat control, precise footwork, and composure under pressure in the biggest tournament of this great sport. Ravindra also became the first player to score three centuries for New Zealand in men's ODI World Cups and the only player to score three centuries in his debut World Cup. He ended the World Cup campaign with 578 runs in just 10 matches, with a healthy average of 64.22.

In a short span of time, Rachin Ravindra has become a household name in New Zealand cricket. His versatility as an all-rounder, ability to perform under pressure, and penchant for making significant contributions when it matters the most make him a bright prospect for New Zealand cricket. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer and face new challenges, the future appears promising for this rising star of New Zealand cricket. His journey from Wellington to the world stage serves as an inspiration to young cricketers, and his name is destined to be etched in the annals of New Zealand cricket history.

His exploits in the World Cup led to him being considered one not just for the future but also for the present as well. In the 2024 Indian Premier League auction, Chennai had no second thought in picking him up for a meager INR 1.80 crores and having already done so well in India, Ravindra could turn out to be one of the stars of the 2024 season.