‘Grateful’ Ravindra credits love and support after making clutch return from injury
Rachin Ravindra could hardly have produced a better performance after returning from a nasty head knock. But he moved quickly to ensure the credit for New Zealand's recent success got shared around.
Welcome back, Rachin Ravindra.
After suffering what he labeled a ‘freak accident’ while fielding in the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy, the 25-year-old star made not only an emphatic return against Bangladesh, but one that also slots him in the history books. Talk about a comeback.
Ravindra became the first player in history to score a century on debut in both the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and also the Champions Trophy.
His latest clutch performance, scoring 112 runs off 105 balls after coming to the crease with his side under some pressure, was an assertive repaying of the faith selectors showed in the Kiwi star.
Dealing with both a nasty laceration and also having to navigate return-to-play protocols, from the incident he suffered against Pakistan earlier in the month, Ravindra showed no signs of being hindered by his adverse tournament preparations.
“It was cool to come back and really enjoy my cricket again after that weird moment,” he told the media after New Zealand’s victory that sealed their place in the semi-finals of the event.
“In terms of the Black Caps setup, thanks to the coaches, (doctor) and physio, I’ve been able to come out of it reasonably well.
“I’ve been showered with so much care and love and it really does make me seriously happy knowing how many people care about me and I’m very grateful to everyone who’s reached out and given their support, so thank you for that.
“I’m extremely grateful for the love and support of everyone.”
Rachin Ravindra shines with memorable Champions Trophy ton | BAN v NZ | Champions Trophy 2025
The Kiwis successfully chased down 236/9 with 23 balls to spare and five wickets in hand.
And while Ravindra fired with the bat, New Zealand also benefited greatly from the bowling of right-arm spinner Michael Bracewell, who finished with 4/26 from his 10 overs.
“‘Beastie’ (Bracewell) bowled out of his skin,” Ravindra continued.
“The development of him as a cricketer over the last few years has been amazing to watch. He’s learning his craft so well and seeing him be so consistent, as he is recently, is amazing.
“It gives so much depth to our spin attack. Obviously led by ‘Sant’ (Mitchell Santner), who’s a world class bowler, one of the best in the world, and having someone like ‘Mike’ (Bracewell) to supplement him in that is great.”
Bracewell's four wickets | BAN v NZ | Champions Trophy 2025
