Rachin Ravindra has been enjoying his time in India after producing a standout performance in the Black Caps’ historic Test victory against India in Bengaluru.
Ravindra scored 134 runs in the first innings before scoring an unbeaten 39 to help guide the Black Caps to their first Test win in India since 1988.
Ravindra said he has relished the opportunity to play in front of Indian fans, who have shown him plenty of support.
“I think everyone says the Black Caps are India’s second favourite team,” Ravindra said. “So it’s always nice to have support when you go around the world – it’s special.
“I think whenever the crowd chants your name and those little moments, it’s amazing.”
Ravindra scored 134 and 39* in the Black Caps win in the first Test of the series against India. (Source: 1News)
Ravindra scored 75 runs against India in the Black Caps’ group stage loss at the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
“From that first World Cup game to now, and the way that the Indian public has accepted me with the fanfare and passion is incredible.”
The 24-year-old had family members in the stands for the first Test, including his father Ravi Krishnamurthy, who is originally from the Indian city.
“I think the biggest thing for me was how special it was to have my dad there while I was playing in his hometown.
“Mum was watching from home with my sister and I’m sure they would have been very nervous. But it was quite special to have him there and catch up after a few days play to talk through it all.”
The Black Caps start their second Test against India in Pune this afternoon on a pitch that is likely to favour spin.
“(The wicket) is certainly a little bit different to the Bengaluru one. We had a brief look at it yesterday.
“It definitely looked very dry, very spin friendly – something that we potentially thought that they would do after that first Test.”
The Black Caps benefited most in the first Test from their seam bowlers with strong performances with the ball from Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke.
Henry took 5-15 in the first innings to help roll India for just 46 and set the Black Caps up for the rest of the Test.
Similarly, O’Rourke notched 4-22 in the first innings.