In a cricketing spectacle that seamlessly intertwined heritage
and destiny, Rachin Ravindra, a rising talent from New Zealand, left an
indelible mark on the international stage during the opening match of the 2023
Cricket World Cup in India. Born to cricket-loving parents of Indian descent,
Ravindra's journey unfolded like a scripted saga, from making a formidable
debut at the world's largest cricket stadium to etching his name in history
with a blazing century and a crucial wicket. This blog chronicles the
awe-inspiring moments of Rachin Ravindra's debut, a narrative that transcends
borders and resonates with the essence of cricket as a global passion.
Rachin
Ravindra was thrust into the spotlight by the New Zealand captain and ordered
to bowl against the tournament's reigning winners at the largest cricket
stadium in the world, barely two hours into his debut Cricket World Cup match.
In
response, in the 17th over of England's innings, Wellington's left-arm spinner,
who is 23 years old, came into the field.
Harry
Brook, an attacking batsman from England, hit Ravindra's third, fourth, and
fifth deliveries for two fours and a six after three balls had been delivered.
On
the last delivery, Devon Conway, Ravindra's teammate from her hometown, caught
Brook's attempt at another aerial shot.
In
the World Cup of ICC Cricket, the young player claimed his first wicket. In his
far from economical 10-over performance, he conceded 76 runs and was unable to
claim any more wickets.
Rachin is made of Sachin + Rahul
The
all-round player will have to wait to demonstrate his bat talents and possibly
repay the faith of his Indian parents, who named him after the legendary Indian
hitters Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
"Mum and Dad deliberated between Rahul and Sachin when
selecting my name. During a pre-tournament interview with the World Cup
broadcaster, I shared the origin of my name: 'They combined Ra from one and
Chin from the other, thus naming me Rachin.'
I feel blessed to share a namesake with two exceptional
players."
Named after Rahul & Sachin.
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) October 5, 2023
After growing up: pic.twitter.com/QRoq7Nv6mm
winner of the game
When
Ravindra returned to the field in Ahmedabad, another opportunity quickly
presented itself.
Less
than ten minutes into New Zealand's innings, Ravindra came on to bat in front
of his cricket-mad parents in the grandstand.
The
tall, basketball-loving cricket player found himself batting at the spot
typically occupied by Kane Williamson, the most productive batsman in New
Zealand, who is currently sidelined due to a knee injury.
The
curly-haired left-handed batsman, unfazed by the situation or his inability to
score runs off the first six balls, attacked England's quick bowler Chris
Woakes in the fifth over.
After
that, Ravindra stormed to an 82-ball-100, New Zealand's fastest World Cup
century, with five sixes and eleven fours.
With a perfect innings total of 123, he and his close friend Conway, who scored the most runs with 152, combined for an uninterrupted 273 runs.
A @cricketworldcup debut to remember! Rachin Ravindra's first hundred in International cricket and the fastest at a World Cup for New Zealand 🏏 #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/h9XKg7aaJk
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 5, 2023
It's cool that I'm Indian, but I'm a New Zealander
"After claiming a crucial wicket and amassing an
impressive 123 runs, Ravindra rightfully earned the title of Player of the
Match. Even after the game concluded, his name continued to dominate social
media discussions.
"At just 19 years old, Rajindra experienced the thrilling
ambiance of a Bangalore pub during the World Cup final crescendo. Fast forward
four years to the opening match of the 2023 World Cup, and he delivered a
stunning 82-ball century, as eloquently captured by cricket writer Matt Roller
in a post on X, a social media platform formerly recognized as Twitter."
Rachin Ravindra watched the final of the 2019 World Cup in a bar in Bangalore, aged 19. Four years later, he has a 82-ball century in the opening game of the 2023 World Cup
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) October 5, 2023
Later,
while he was visiting Bangalore (Bengaluru) to see his grandparents, Ravindra
would confirm that he was descended from South India and said that it was
"nice to have a connection [with Indian roots]".
But
Ravindra didn't hesitate to respond, saying, "I am very proud of my roots
and ethnicity [but] I completely see myself as a Kiwi," when a reporter
probed him on his identity and self-perception.
Having
made his debut in September 2021, Ravindra is no stranger to the world of
international cricket. Even prior to the World Cup, authorities in the sport
had identified him as one for the future.
However,
with all eyes on the event in India, Ravindra could not have picked a better
moment to establish himself, especially in front of his hero, Tendulkar, who
was intently observing from the stands.
