Rachin Ravindra Set To Replace Daryl Mitchell For 5th T20I In Christchurch

New Zealand’s star left-hand batter Rachin Ravindra is all set to be a part of the Kiwi 11 which will take on Pakistan for the series concluding 5th T20I tomorrow at the Hagley Oval, in place of power hitter Daryl Mitchell. Head coach Gary Stead confirmed the development earlier today, stating that Mitchell has been given a short break to manage his workload for a jampacked schedule later this year.

The Blackcaps have a 4-0 lead and they won the 5-match series on January 17th following a 45-run victory in the 3rd T20 at the University Oval. They are currently aiming to complete a sensational 5-0 whitewash of Pakistan in the last match at Christchurch before they welcome a 3rd-string South African team for a 2-match Test series starting next month.

Rachin Ravindra, who proved to be a major revelation for the Kiwis during the ICC Cricket World Cup last year was initially left out of the squad which played the 4 T20s against Pakistan. However, after Daryl Mitchell was confirmed to sit out of the 5th T20, Ravindra was called on and the Southpaw will join the team today in Christchurch as the hosts look to mastermind another win tomorrow.

Visitors in Pakistan are under a very tough situation as they haven’t won a single game since November 4. Their last win came during the CWC group stage fixture against the same opponents but their losing streak has now extended to 8 games across all formats.

If the Asian outfit loses tomorrow then it will be their second consecutive series loss following the 3-0 Test series hammering from World Champions Australia. While Daryl Mitchell proved to be a constant threat for them in this series, the inclusion of Rachin Ravindra doesn’t make it any easier for Pakistan.

Mitchell scored 158 runs from the 4 T20s against Pakistan including a 61-run and 72-run knock in the 1st and 4th T20. He also won Player of the Match awards on both occasions and has consistently batted a 160+ strike rate. Head coach Gary Stead claimed that he was given a break to ensure he remains fresh for New Zealand’s upcoming assignments.

“Daryl is an important player for us across all three formats and ensuring he’s in the best place to perform in international cricket is vital.” – Gary Stead said.

Rachin Ravindra Aiming To Take Center Stage Following Lengthy Rest Period

Rachin Ravindra’s last appearance in the shortest format came in September last year against England at Nottingham. Although he featured in New Zealand’s recent ODI and Test series against Bangladesh but hasn’t returned to their T20 side since September 5.

Rachin Ravindra had finished as the 4th highest run-getter during CWC 2023 with 578 runs including 3 centuries and 2 half-centuries. He displayed his quality well and was a key player in the Blackcaps’ journey to the semi-finals. His hard work in the World Cup was rewarded a month later with an IPL contract from 5-time champions Chennai Super Kings.

Gary Stead expressed that Ravindra’s inclusion was beneficial for the Kiwis. “Rachin is coming off a period of rest himself and will bring a valuable skill set to the group in this final match as continues his return to cricket.” – Stead concluded.