Rachin Ravindra thanks CSK for helping New Zealand beat India in Bengaluru

Rachin Ravindra was over the moon after guiding New Zealand to their only third win over India on Indian soil in Test cricket. New Zealand entered the ongoing three-match Test series in India with low expectations, especially after a rain-affected one-off Test match against Afghanistan and a 0-2 whitewash in Sri Lanka.

But they made a remarkable comeback in Bengaluru. The New Zealand cricket team defied the odds with an impressive all-round performance to beat India by eight wickets in the first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Rachin Ravindra’s century powers New Zealand to a historic win over India in the Bengaluru Test

The Kiwi bowlers destroyed the Indian batting lineup by bundling them out for just 46 in the first inning after Day 1 was washed out in Bengaluru. Later, Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century helped New Zealand post a solid score of 402 runs on the board in their first inning against India.

Ravindra played a memorable knock of 134 runs off 157 balls, studded with 13 fours and 4 sixes at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, India threatened by overcoming New Zealand’s massive 356-run lead with only three wickets down, but the second new ball triggered another collapse.

India's collapse left New Zealand with a modest target of 107 to chase. The touring side easily chased down the target inside 28 overs. Will Young completed the chase with a stunning boundary against Ravindra Jadeja to pull off a fabulous eight-wicket win for the Kiwis. Ravindra and Young remained unbeaten at 38 and 48, respectively.

The New Zealand all-rounder was later adjudged Player of the Match for his contribution to the memorable win over India in Bengaluru, the city where his roots belong.

Rachin Ravindra reflects on his match-winning performance in Bengaluru Test

Reflecting on his match-winning performance, Rachin Ravindra expressed his satisfaction with the conditions in Bengaluru and credited his success with his hard work and form.

Ravindra also shared insights into his intense training sessions, including specialized work on subcontinental conditions and mastering his footwork to tackle different bowlers.

Rachin Ravindra at the post-match presentation ceremony: “It's a nice city; it was a nice wicket to bat on; guess odds are in my favor." (Footwork) It's a combination of form and preparation. As long as I'm clear and know my plan, it helps. Knowing when to go forward or back helps; so does getting into good positions.”

With six upcoming Tests in the subcontinent, the New Zealand all-rounder left no stone unturned, spending time perfecting his footwork and technique on different pitches in Chennai. Notably, it was because of the CSK connection that he was allowed to practice in the academy in Chennai. The New Zealand star's ability to adjust his game to various wicket types, including red and black soil surfaces, helped him during his exceptional innings.

Rachin Ravindra opens up about his preparation for subcontinent Tests

He further explained, “When you have six subcontinent tests coming up, you do extra work—indoors, put some mats down, or head out and do some training. Luckily enough it all worked out today. I was trying to get a read of different surfaces, red roil and black soil, and seeing what sort of guard I can stand on for different kinds of bowlers.

"Nets every single day, net bowlers coming in, all that was invaluable experience. Very grateful for those guys putting it on (facilities in Chennai). I try to be in good positions to be able to score and open up areas. Want to rotate strike too, not necessarily attack.”

Ravindra added that the presence of his family in the crowd makes him emotional and this achievement even more special for him. He signed off by saying, “Having family is emotional; the phone starts blowing up; the crowd too. Makes it even more special.”