NZ vs NED: Anil Kumble Compares Rachin Ravindra With Legendary India Batsman After His Blazing Ton

Heaping praise on Rachin Ravindra, former India captain Anil Kumble has compared the New Zealand youngster to a legendary India batsman.

Rachin Ravindra, on Thursday (October 5), announced his arrival at the highest stage of the game by scoring a stunning unbeaten century against reigning world champions England in the first game of the ongoing 2023 World Cup. Playing only his 13th ODI, the left-handed batsman walked out to bat after Will Young was dismissed for a duck.

Rachin Ravindra took the England bowlers to the cleaners right from the start and went on to compile a stunning century. He remained unbeaten on 123 runs off just 96 balls and shared a record stand of 273 runs with Devon Conway who scored an unbeaten 152. Thanks to the majestic centuries, New Zealand chased down 283 runs in less than 37 overs by losing just one wicket.

Anil Kumble praises Rachin Ravindra:

Rachin Ravindra is receiving praise from all quarters for his stunning century and Anil Kumble has also heaped praise on him. The India legend also compared him with former batsman Yuvraj Singh. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Kumble said it was a special innings from the Kiwi batsman before saying that his performance reminded him of a young Yuvraj Singh.

“We saw what he’s capable of in that warm-up game (against Pakistan) when he opened the batting. But this was very special, you know, in his World Cup debut against the defending champions to back the way he did. This was my first sort of treat of Rachin Ravindra. He looks a bit like Yuvraj Singh, a young Yuvraj Singh in his flow. Very elegant. So wonderful,” said Kumble.

Before his century, Rachin Ravindra had also picked up the crucial wicket of Harry Brook and was adjudged the Player of the Match for his impressive display. He also joined an elite group of players who have scored a century on World Cup debut.