Living the dream: Red-hot Ravindra thrives in Indian limelight
The young New Zealand all-rounder smashed another brilliant century on Saturday, this time against arch-rivals Australia, to become only the third player to pass 400 runs at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Match highlights as the Australia-New Zealand encounter in Dharamsala produced the highest run aggregate in the history of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
While Ravindra’s impressive 116 wasn’t quite enough to inspire New Zealand to a record chase on the day, the youngster says he could barely have hoped for a better tournament so far.
“I guess you probably look at it, at the start I would be obviously very grateful to be here and how things have worked out," Ravindra said.
“We're in a position as a team to hopefully push on and keep winning games and I guess individually it’s runs for the team so I'm happy to be able to contribute.”
Batting highlights as Rachin Ravindra hit nine fours and five sixes in his 116 for New Zealand against Australia at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
The 23-year-old was cheered repeatedly by a large crowd in Dharamsala, with a familiar Indian chant repurposed using the New Zealander’s first name.
James Neesham received similar treatment later in the match, with the crowd singing “we want Neesham” when the big-hitter was off strike.
Ravindra said that it was a joy for his team to play in front of such passionate supporters.
“I think this was probably one of the best crowds we've played in India and having that sort of fanfare and the response, like how they responded to the game, was pretty special.
Digital Daily with former Australia captain Ricky Ponting and ICC Digital Insider Crystal Arnold looks at Australia's tense win over New Zealand at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
“As a kid you always dream of the crowd chanting your name and it was cool to see them do that on multiple occasions, even when Aussie were batting, and then when Neesh (Neesham) did his thing at the end.
“I think it's always special, you sort of soak in those moments and hopefully we never really take them for granted.”
Final-over thriller as New Zealand needed 19 runs off six balls to pass Australia's huge total at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
Part of the appeal of the Black Caps star to the home crowds is his Indian heritage, with both of Ravindra’s parents hailing from the country, and his first name, Rachin, a nod to cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
Speaking to an assembled room of media after the game, Ravindra was asked whether it was particularly special to be achieving his feats in India.
“I've been asked this question a lot, but I guess I'm 100% Kiwi and I'm also very proud of my Indian heritage. But I guess it's that I’m proud to be able to do it in the country where my parents were born and where they grew up and where a lot of my family is," Ravindra said.
“Obviously the conditions are good for batting. Being able to come to India previously on tours and trying to, not perfect my game, but try to get better – I guess that that helps in a way.”
Rachin Ravindra hit some big sixes during his attacking knock against Australia in Dharamsala.
Ravindra’s partnership with Daryl Mitchell was worth 96 runs and set New Zealand up for a huge second-innings effort.
The left-hander says one of the secrets to his excellent form is having such experienced batting partners to bounce off.
“I think being able to bat with guys who have so much experience helps a lot,” Ravindra said.
“Being able to bat with Daryl, having a little partnership with him and the way he went about his business obviously took a little bit of the attack to them, so it meant I could sort of feed off him.
“Then once he got out it was just like I was reacting to the ball and seeing what was in front of me and lucky enough it was a good wicket to bat on so I could sort of just go out there and play my game.”
His 89-ball 116 gave New Zealand a real chance of pulling off what would have been the highest-ever chase at a Cricket World Cup and the second-highest of all time in the format.
But Australia clung on for the win, running out Neesham off the penultimate ball and then denying Lockie Ferguson the six he needed to win it at the death.
The run-out that decided the game saw Australia run Jimmy Neesham out with the game on the line.
While the result itself is disappointing, Ravindra says that the performance should give New Zealand a lot of confidence going forward.
“Obviously it's disappointing when it gets that close and you're chasing such a big total to come out a little bit short, but I think that's the beauty of cricket.
“You get the highs and lows of it and it was an exciting game, entertained the fans, so we'll move on and review, but have got to understand there's still a lot of cricket to be played in this World Cup."
The Black Caps continue their campaign against South Africa on Wednesday in Pune, where a win would strengthen their grip on one of the four semi-final spots.