Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra, born on 18 November 1999 in Wellington, New Zealand, was introduced to cricket at a tender age. His father, Ravi Krishnamurthy, a former cricketer who played club-level cricket in Bangalore, India, before relocating to New Zealand in 1997, had a profound influence on Rachin’s early cricketing journey. Rachin’s first name, often speculated to be a combination of the names of Indian cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, was actually a coincidence, as clarified by his father. Rachin’s grandfather, Balakrishna Adiga, a renowned educationist, also played a significant role in shaping his early years.

Personal Information

International Information

Cricketing Beginnings

Rachin’s passion for cricket blossomed at the age of five in Wellington, where he started playing the sport. Despite living in New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra maintained a strong connection to his South Indian roots, often traveling to Bangalore to play club cricket. His early exposure to the game and the nurturing environment provided by his family laid the foundation for his future success in cricket.

 Emerging Talent

Rachin’s talent was evident early on, as he was selected for New Zealand’s squads for the 2016 and 2018 under-19 World Cups. It was during the 2018 edition that he caught the attention of the cricketing world, with the ICC recognizing him as one of the rising stars of the tournament. His performances earned him a contract with Wellington for the 2018–19 season, marking the beginning of his professional cricketing career.

Rachin Ravindra | Domestic Career

Rachin made his List A debut for New Zealand A against Pakistan A in October 2018, followed by his first-class debut against the same side later that month. In November 2019, while playing for Wellington against Auckland in the 2019–20 Ford Trophy, Rachin scored his first century in List A cricket. His consistent performances earned him a contract extension with Wellington ahead of the 2020–21 domestic cricket season.

 International Debut and Early Success

Rachin Ravindra’s international debut came in September 2021 when he made his debut for the New Zealand cricket team. Despite his relatively short international career, Rachin quickly established himself as a promising talent with his all-round abilities. His performances in domestic and international cricket showcased his potential to become a future star for New Zealand.

 2023 T20 World Cup

The 2023 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup proved to be a breakthrough tournament for Rachin. Amassing three centuries and 578 runs, Rachin emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament. His performances earned him the title of 2023 ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year, highlighting his impact on the global stage.

 Rachin Ravindra | 2023 Cricket World Cup Heroics

Despite not being in contention for the final squad, Rachin’s fortunes changed when he replaced the injured Michael Bracewell in New Zealand’s squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup. A paradigm shift in the team’s approach saw Rachin being promoted to bat at number three, a position he had not previously batted in ODIs. In the opening match against England, Rachin announced his arrival on the World Cup stage with a scintillating century, becoming only the fourth Kiwi player to achieve this feat. His innings, along with Devon Conway, also set a new record for the fourth-highest partnership in World Cup history. Rachin’s performances continued to dazzle as he scored two more centuries in the tournament, setting multiple records along the way. He became the youngest New Zealand player to score a World Cup century and the first player to score three centuries on World Cup debut. His exploits with the bat earned him accolades and established him as a rising star in international cricket.

 Continued Success and Recognition

Rachin’s success in the 2023 World Cup propelled him to greater heights in international cricket. Finishing the year with 820 ODI runs at an impressive average and strike rate, Rachin’s performances were instrumental in New Zealand’s success. His impact on the field and his potential for future success earned him recognition as one of the brightest talents in the game.

 Test Cricket and Maiden Century

Rachin’s prowess was not limited to limited-overs cricket, as he showcased his abilities in the longest format of the game. During the first Test of South Africa’s tour of New Zealand in 2023/24, Rachin achieved a significant milestone by scoring his maiden Test century. His innings of 240 runs was not only his first Test century but also the highest score ever by a New Zealand batter in their maiden Test century. The innings highlighted Rachin’s adaptability and skill, further solidifying his place in the New Zealand team across all formats.

 IPL Stint with Chennai Super Kings

In December 2023, Rachin Ravindra’s talent was recognized on the global stage as he was signed by the Chennai Super Kings in the player auction for the 2024 Indian Premier League. The move to one of the most successful franchises in the IPL was a testament to Rachin’s growing reputation as a top-quality cricketer.

Rachin Ravindra’s cricketing journey is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for the game. From his early days playing cricket in Wellington to representing New Zealand on the international stage, Rachin has overcome challenges and seized opportunities to establish himself as a rising star in world cricket. With his all-round abilities and remarkable performances, Rachin has the potential to become one of the leading cricketers of his generation, carrying the hopes of New Zealand cricket on his shoulders.