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In the opening game of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Rachin Ravindra emerged as the standout performer, playing a pivotal role in New Zealand’s commanding performance against the defending champions England at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.
Ravindra showcased his exceptional talent by smashing his maiden ODI century in just 82 balls. Additionally, h played a crucial role with the ball, dismissing Harry Brook, which contributed to New Zealand’s successful containment of England, who managed to post a score of 282/9 after being asked to bat first. The 23-year-old’s swashbuckling knock earned him the distinction of becoming the youngest centurion in ODI World Cup history for New Zealand.
Ravindra scored a remarkable 123 not out from just 96 balls, including 11 fours and 5 sixes.
Unveiling lesser-known facts about Rachin Ravindra
Indian Roots: Rachin Ravindra, born in Wellington on November 18, 1999, proudly boasts Indian ancestry. Both of his parents originally hail from India, and this connection to his heritage has played a significant role in his life.
Founder of Hutt Hawks Club: Rachin’s father, Ravi Krishnamurthy, a software architect, has been a pivotal figure in his cricketing journey. In 2011, Ravi Krishnamurthy founded the Hutt Hawks Club in New Zealand. This establishment allowed Rachin to embark on annual journeys to India during the summer months. His visits were centered around honing his cricketing skills at RDT, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, starting at the tender age of 13.
A Cricketing Friendship: An interesting cricketing connection lies in Rachin’s father’s friendship with former Indian cricketer Javagal Srinath. They shared cricketing experiences in Bangalore before Ravi Krishnamurthy’s relocation to New Zealand. Rachin affectionately refers to Srinath as “Sri Uncle,” and their shared passion for the sport continues to foster discussions about cricket. They also make it a point to visit each other whenever the opportunity arises.
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Unique First Name: Rachin’s first name is a unique blend that pays tribute to two legendary Indian cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. This choice reflects his deep admiration for these cricketing icons.
Youthful Beginnings: At just 16 years old, Ravindra created history by becoming the youngest New Zealand cricketer to participate in the 2016 U-19 World Cup held in Bangladesh. His journey continued as he represented New Zealand in the 2018 U-19 World Cup. During the 2019-20 season, he had the privilege of sharing the field with Indian cricketer Shubman Gill during India A’s tour of New Zealand in an unofficial Test match.
Test Debut and A Gritty Performance: Ravindra made his Test debut against India in Kanpur in 2021. In this crucial match, his gritty batting performance helped New Zealand save the game, which was heading towards defeat. He remained unbeaten with 18 runs from 91 balls.
ODI Debut Ahead of World Cup: In March 2023, just seven months before the ODI World Cup 2023, Ravindra made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. This debut marked a significant milestone in his career as he prepared to represent New Zealand on the global stage.
Personal Life: Ravindra is in a relationship with Premila Morar, a talented fashion designer known for her exquisite creations. Their companionship adds another dimension to the life of this rising cricketing star.
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