Rachin Ravindra He was over the moon after leading New Zealand to their only third win over India on Indian soil in Test cricket. New Zealand entered the ongoing three-match Test series India especially with low expectations after a rain-affected one-off Test match against Afghanistan and a 0-2 thrashing in Sri Lanka.
But they made a great comeback in Bengaluru. The New Zealand cricket team Defied the odds with an impressive all-round performance to beat India by eight wickets in the first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Rachin Ravindra’s century gives New Zealand a historic win over India in the Bengaluru Test
The Kiwi bowlers decimated India’s batting line-up, bundling them out for just 46 in the first innings after being washed out on Day 1 in Bengaluru. Later, Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century helped New Zealand post a solid score of 402 runs on the board in the first innings against India.
Ravindra played a memorable knock of 134 runs off 157 balls with 13 fours and 4 sixes at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, India threatened to overturn New Zealand’s massive 356-run lead by just three wickets, but the second new ball triggered another collapse.
India’s collapse left New Zealand with a modest target of 107 to chase. The tourist side easily followed the target within 28 shots. Will Young completed the chase with a stunning boundary off Ravindra Jadeja to seal an incredible eight-wicket victory for the Kiwis. Ravindra and Young remained unbeaten on 38 and 48 respectively.
The New Zealand all-rounder was later named Man of the Match for his contribution to a memorable victory over India in Bengaluru, where his roots belong.
Rachin Ravindra reflects on his match-winning performance in the Bengaluru Test
Reflecting on his match-winning performance, Rachin Ravindra expressed his satisfaction with the conditions in Bengaluru and attributed his success to his hard work and form.
Ravindra also shared his thoughts on his intense training sessions in subcontinental conditions, which included special work and mastering his footwork to tackle different bowlers.
Rachin Ravindra at the post-match presentation: “This is a beautiful city; it was a nice wicket to bat; the odds are in my favor.” (Footwork) It’s a combination of form and preparation. As long as I’m clear and know my plan, that helps. Knowing when to go forward or back helps, and getting into good positions.”
With six Tests to come across the subcontinent, the New Zealand all-rounder has left no stone unturned, spending time in Chennai perfecting his footwork and technique on various pitches. Notably, because of the CSK connection, he was allowed to intern at the Chennai academy. The New Zealand star’s ability to adapt his game to different types of wickets, including red and black clay surfaces, has helped him during exceptional knocks.
Rachin Ravindra reveals his preparations for the subcontinent tests
He further explained: “When you have six sub-continent Tests coming up, you do extra work – indoors, put some mats or go out and do some practice. Fortunately, today everything is fixed. I was trying to read different surfaces, red rods and black lands, and see what kind of guard I could stand on for different types of bowlers.
“The nets every day, the net players coming in, all of that was invaluable experience. I’m very thankful for the guys who put that (facilities in Chennai) in. I’m trying to be in good positions to score and open up areas. Turn the puck over, don’t necessarily attack.”
Ravindra added that having his family in the crowd made him emotional and the achievement was even more special for him. She said, “Having a family is emotional; the phone starts to explode; the crowd too. It makes it even more special.”
