Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra is an exciting cricketer from New Zealand who quickly made a name for himself on the international stage. His journey from the streets of Wellington to a sensational World Cup debut is a testament to his immense talent and unwavering dedication. Born in Wellington to parents of Indian New Zealander origin, Ravindra was raised in a cricket-loving family. His father, Ravi Krishnamurthy, a software architect, played club-level cricket in Bengaluru before moving to New Zealand in 1997. It was in this environment that Rachin’s passion for the game was nurtured.

Interestingly, Ravindra’s first name is a clever combination of two cricketing legends - Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar - a nod to the sport that would become central to his life. This unique naming choice may have foreshadowed the bright future that awaited him.

Ravindra’s cricket journey began at the age of five when he started playing hardball cricket in Wellington. However, what truly set him apart was his annual trips to Bengaluru, where he played in local club cricket. These visits to the land of cricketing legends allowed him to refine his skills, adapt to different playing conditions, and mature as a cricketer. Ravindra’s rise to prominence continued as he represented New Zealand in the 2016 and 2018 Under-19 World Cups, where his exceptional performances earned him the title of 'rising star' of the 2018 squad by the International Cricket Council.

The year 2018 marked a pivotal point in his career when he secured a contract with Wellington for the 2018-19 season. Later that year, Ravindra made his List A debut for New Zealand A against Pakistan A. He followed this up with his first-class debut for the same team, again against Pakistan A. His rapid ascent continued, culminating in his first century in List A cricket while playing for Wellington against Auckland in the 2019–20 Ford Trophy. In March 2020, he scored his maiden first-class century during the Plunket Shield season, further showcasing his versatility across formats.

Ravindra’s consistent performances earned him a contract with Wellington for the 2020–21 season, cementing his place as a valuable all-rounder. Later that year, he was named to the New Zealand A squad for practice matches against the West Indies, signaling his readiness for the international stage.

The year 2021 was a turning point in Ravindra’s career. In April, he was called up to the New Zealand Test squad for their series against England, marking his entry into international cricket. Ravindra’s adaptability was evident when he was selected for New Zealand’s T20I squad for their tour of Bangladesh in August 2021. His T20I debut came in September against Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in his white-ball career. Later that year, he made his Test debut against India, solidifying his place in the New Zealand team.

Ravindra’s journey took another exciting turn in June 2022 when he signed with Durham County Cricket Club to play in the County Championship in England. In his debut match, he scored a remarkable double century, amassing 217 runs against Worcestershire, further cementing his reputation as a reliable and versatile batsman.

In March 2023, Ravindra made his ODI debut for New Zealand against Sri Lanka, proving his adaptability to the 50-over format. His journey reached new heights in 2023 when he was named in New Zealand’s squad for the World Cup. His World Cup debut was nothing short of spectacular - batting at number three in the opening match against England, he scored an unbeaten 123 runs off just 96 balls, setting a record as the fastest century by a New Zealand player in World Cups. Ravindra’s contributions didn’t end there - he followed up with centuries against Australia (116 off 89) and Pakistan (108 off 94), solidifying his status as a key player for New Zealand. With three centuries in his debut World Cup, he became the first player in history to achieve such a feat. He ended the tournament with 578 runs from 10 matches, at an average of 64.22.

Ravindra’s rise to prominence made him a household name in New Zealand cricket. His all-round abilities, ability to perform under pressure, and knack for making significant contributions when it matters most made him a key prospect for the future of New Zealand cricket.

In the 2024 Indian Premier League auction, Ravindra was picked up by Chennai for INR 1.80 crores, following his stellar World Cup performances. He did decently in his first season and was resigned by Chennai in the next auction using the Right to Match (RTM) card, marking another significant milestone in his career.