New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra expressed his astonishment at hearing his name being chanted by Indian fans during New Zealand’s World Cup victory over Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old player found it surreal, especially considering that his parents used to live in the southern city before moving to New Zealand.
Ravindra, who has been a standout performer in the World Cup, contributed significantly to his team’s five-wicket win with a score of 42, almost guaranteeing New Zealand a spot in the semi-finals.
“It’s a pretty surreal feeling,” Ravindra shared in an interview with Star Sports.
“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 very happy to be here, lucky enough it worked out.”
Despite the weight of carrying the names of two of India’s most famous cricketers, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, in his first name, Ravindra has performed remarkably well in the tournament, scoring three centuries and amassing 565 runs from nine innings at an average of over 70.
“Six to 12 months ago, I wasn’t even in the frame,” he admitted.
He almost missed out on playing in the World Cup, only receiving a spot in the starting line-up when captain Kane Williamson needed more time to recover from a knee injury.
“It’s a funny one. I have idolised Kane. I have idolised a lot like Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root.
“But Kane, his leadership, on and off the field, just keeps it calm.”
Ravindra’s visits to India have left a lasting impression on him. In 2021, during the second Test in Mumbai, he caught the ball that allowed his teammate Ajaz Patel to become the third bowler in history to take all 10 wickets in an innings, a moment that he considers nervy but fortunate.
“It was a nervy moment in my career. Lucky to have taken the catch,” he said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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