ENG vs NZ: Rachin Ravindra Talks About Story Behind His Name; Says Virat Kohli And Kane Williamson Are His Favorite Cricketers

Rachin Ravindra was the talk of the town following his heroics in the ICC World Cup 2023 opener against England. The left-hander first had a decent outing with the ball as he picked one wicket but the real show from him came with the bat. 

Rachin Ravindra came to bat after New Zealand lost Will Young early. However, the moment he stepped in he changed the the complexion of the game. The batter took charge to England’s bowlers and put them under real pressure. 

Rachin Ravindra played staggering strokes all over the park and made England bowlers look clueless. The Kiwi batter took the game away from England and made them look clueless. He became only the fifth New Zealand player to smash a century on the World Cup debut. 

Rachin Ravindra scored 123 runs off 96 balls and batted with a strike rate of 128.12. He also smashed 11 fours and 5 sixes in his innings. He along with Devon Conway (152) stitched unbeaten 273 runs to help New Zealand register a massive 9-wicket win. 

Rachin Ravindra talked about the story behind his name, his jersey number, his idol, and his favorite cricketers. Speaking in a video posted on Star Sports, he explained: 

“Back in the day, Mom and Dad were deciding the names and I think one or the other, I think both of them like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Ra from Rahul and Chin from Sachin but that long time ago and we don’t talk about that anymore but two amazing players, very lucky to be named after them.

“My jersey name is 8 and significance around it is I’m Basketball fan and it was Kobe Bryant’s first number. My cricketing idol was Sachin Tendulkar while growing up, I loved the way he batted. My current favorite cricketers are Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson.”

Great to have a great day – Rachin Ravindra after his knock against England 

Rachin Ravindra talked about his knock against England in the first game of the ICC World Cup 2023. He hailed his teammates for their bowling effort. The young all-rounder also talked about his bond with Devon Conway. He added: 

“Great to have a great day. Boys bowled and fielded well to restrict them to 280. Luckily I had Devon out there to show me how to do it. (I am) Very very close with Devon. Special to finish it off with him. 4-5 years ago, we all knew Devon would become the player he is. 

“Above all he’s a great guy. It was yesterday (because of) the thing (niggle) with Lockie (when did he know he’ll bat at three?). Good to get the opportunity. We’ll see what happens. I’m actually quite a good sleeper luckily. There was some swing, but the surface was really good to bat on.” 

Named after two absolute legends, and both Rahul & Sachin will be proud of the knock #RachinRavindra played today!

Sensational ? on World Cup debut by the youngster! ?

Tune-in to #WorldCupOnStar
5th Oct to 19th Nov | Star Sports Network#CWC23 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/gGgMB5OTs5

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 5, 2023

Rachin Ravindra will be next seen in action when New Zealand take on the Netherlands on 9th October.