In a thrilling showdown that marked the opening of the Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra emerged as an unexpected hero. Elevated to the crucial No. 3 batting position in the absence of Kane Williamson, the 23-year-old seized the opportunity and played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s sensational victory over England.
A Star is Born
Rachin Ravindra showcased his remarkable skills by scoring an unbeaten century, making it his maiden century in international cricket. He achieved this feat by smashing 123 runs from just 93 deliveries. His remarkable partnership with Devon Conway ensured that England had little chance of staging a comeback, ultimately leading New Zealand to a resounding victory and a strong start to their Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign.
An Inspiring Name
Interestingly, Rachin Ravindra’s name carries a unique connection to Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. His parents, originally from India, drew inspiration from these two iconic batsmen when naming their son. “Ra” from Rahul Dravid and “Chin” from Sachin Tendulkar together form the name “Rachin.”
A Journey to Stardom
Rachin Ravindra embarked on his cricketing journey at an early age and was selected for the New Zealand U-19 squad for the 2016 World Cup. He continued to make strides in his cricket career, participating in the 2018 U-19 World Cup and making his T20I debut against Bangladesh in 2021. His Test debut followed shortly after, and he marked his ODI debut in 2023.
Shining Bright in the Cricket World Cup 2023
To date, Rachin has played 3 Test matches, 12 ODIs, and 18 T20Is. In a recent Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Pakistan, he wowed fans and experts alike with an impressive knock of 97 runs.
A Spectacular Win
In the clash against England, New Zealand successfully chased down the target of 282-9 set by the English team, with 13.4 overs to spare. This remarkable achievement was made possible by an unbeaten 273-run partnership between the left-handed duo of Devon Conway (152) and Rachin Ravindra (123), solidifying their status as rising stars in the world of cricket.