As New Zealand takes on India in the Bengaluru Test, a special connection exists for several players. For KL Rahul, it’s his home ground. Virat Kohli is a fan favorite here, with the city embracing him like one of their own. Mohammed Siraj, too, enjoys significant support, having donned the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jersey. But there’s another cricketer, Rachin Ravindra, whose bond with Bengaluru runs deeper, though it may not be as obvious.
Rachin Ravindra, a young Kiwi batter with Indian heritage, embodies a unique blend of cultures. Though he proudly calls himself a Kiwi, his roots trace back to Bengaluru, where his father once played club cricket. While the IPL and ODI World Cup saw Rachin soaking in the atmosphere of his ancestral home, playing a Test match at Chinnaswamy Stadium will carry special significance for him. However, unlike Indian stars, Rachin won’t hear the crowd chanting his name.
High Expectations Amid New Zealand’s Struggles
Rachin enters this Test with high expectations from New Zealand fans. The 2021 World Test Championship winners are currently sixth in the standings, and they are eager to break their four-match losing streak. With the Bengaluru Test on the horizon, New Zealand faces the challenge of playing India in India, one of the toughest tasks in world cricket.
New Zealand will be without Kane Williamson, their star batter, for at least the first Test. Leadership has shifted from Tim Southee to Tom Latham due to Southee’s struggles with form. This has placed additional pressure on Rachin, who, at 24, is the youngest in an experienced but aging batting lineup.
Confidence from White-Ball Success in India
Despite the pressure, Rachin has shown maturity beyond his years. His success in white-ball cricket in India, including scoring 578 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup, gives him confidence. While he acknowledges that Test cricket presents different challenges, he believes his experience in Indian conditions will help him cope with the crowd and expectations.
Speaking to reporters, Rachin said, “Although conditions will likely be different, performing in this part of the world gives you confidence. Managing the crowd and expectations is key, as we know how passionate Indian fans are. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Rachin’s Test career had a memorable start in 2021 when his gritty 91-ball 18 not out in the Kanpur Test helped New Zealand secure a draw against India. Since then, he has shown promise, scoring a double century and several fifties, positioning himself as a key all-format player for New Zealand.
A Duel with Ravindra Jadeja
In Bengaluru, Rachin will face another formidable challenge—negotiating the spin of India’s Ravindra Jadeja, his namesake and fellow Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teammate. Jadeja, one of India’s finest all-rounders in home conditions, will be a significant threat, and the duel between the two left-handers promises to be an intriguing subplot in the Test series.
Rachin is well aware of the challenge India poses at home, acknowledging the quality of their bowlers and their dominance in these conditions. “We know how good India are in their own conditions. Ashwin and Jaddu are both world-class spinners, and they can bat too, making it even tougher. But we’ve been here recently, and the group has grown together. Hopefully, we can put up a strong fight.”
As New Zealand seeks to bounce back and Rachin Ravindra returns to his roots, the Bengaluru Test will be a significant moment for the young cricketer and his team as they strive to challenge India’s dominance on home soil.
