IND vs NZ: Rachin Ravindra Shares His Training Secrets After First Test Match Win For New Zealand

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In 1988, the last time the Kiwis won a Test match on Indian soil when the stylish left handed batter Rachin Ravindra was not even born. Due to his heroic innings, New Zealand won the first Test of the three-match series against India in Bengaluru. This win marked their first Test win in India after 36 long years and the Black Caps made a statement that they are not here in India to play

It was a homecoming for Ravindra as he scored his maiden Test century against India at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. For his match-winning knock of 134 and 39 not out in the second innings, he was awarded Player of the Match. Overall, it was his second Test hundred and first in Asia.

The partnership of 137 between him and Tim Southee for the eighth wicket put the Kiwis in a strong position to win the match, leaving India far behind in the first innings itself after being bowled out for 46 runs.

After the win, the local boy reflected on his training and how it helped him tackle the challenging subcontinent conditions. He expressed his happiness in being able to deliver for the team. He was among the few Kiwi batters who comfortably played both Indian pacers and spinners, a key aspect that allowed him to stay longer at the crease and put up a giant score.

Rachin Ravindra on Bengaluru surface

As quoted by ESPNCricinfo, Ravindra said, “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, and so does getting into good positions. 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, it all worked out today,”

To be sure he had everything covered, Ravindra disclosed some of his preparations, such as playing in a variety of conditions, facing bowlers in the nets, and practicing on both red and black soil tracks.

He further added, “Was trying to get a feel of different pitches, red and black soil while preparing in Chennai, and figure out what positions I could get in and guards I could take to different bowlers. It was a great set-up there, got an open wicket, different wickets, nets every day, net bowlers every day, and invaluable experience,”

Ravindra’s batting had everything – his defense was solid, he took singles and played attacking shots when the ball was in his range. He revealed that he was clear in his head about keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Rachin Ravindra’s Special Connection With Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

With his family originally hailing from Bengaluru, Ravindra has made it a habit of piling on the runs at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Rachin Ravindra is tipped to be the next big thing after the star batter Kane Williamson as Rachin has a wide range of shorts and can frustrate the bowlers by rotating the strike consitently.

In the 2023 ODI World Cup, he scored his third ODI hundred against Pakistan at this venue, becoming the first New Zealand batter to hit three centuries in a single edition. This match against Pakistan was his debut at Chinnaswamy, which has now become his favorite venue to play in India.

After being picked by Chennai Super Kings at the 2023 IPL auctions, he played a quick knock of 61 runs in just 37 balls this year at Chinnaswamy, striking at a rate of 165. With two more Test matches to go, his form will remain crucial if the Kiwis want to seal their first Test series win on Indian soil after fifteen series attempts.

Also Read: IND vs NZ : Rachin Ravindra & New Zealand Bowlers End The Drought Of 36 Years & Win 1st Test Match Quite Convincingly


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