• Source:JND
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All-rounder Rachin Ravindra has emerged as a new star for New Zealand cricket in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The 23-year-old's impressive performance in the opening game of the tournament has garnered significant attention.

Ravindra, who was once a spectator during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 final in India while on a youth cricket tour, is now making headlines for his remarkable century against England in the 2023 edition of the tournament.

Born to Indian parents in New Zealand, Ravindra's journey to becoming a prominent figure in international cricket has been marked by his talent and dedication to the sport. His recent century has further solidified his status as a rising star in New Zealand cricket.

“I think a hundred is always special, but I guess in terms of being able to perform in India, it's cool to have the Indian roots. It was nice to have my parents there watching - they flew over from New Zealand," Ravindra said.

“It’s cool to have that moment and obviously it's always nice coming to India. I have a sense of family connection whenever I'm in Bangalore, being able to see my grandparents and stuff, it's pretty cool.”

Rachin Ravindra's first name might sound familiar to cricket enthusiasts because it was given to him by his cricket-loving parents in honor of two legendary Indian batsmen, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.

“I think those two (Dravid and Tendulkar) are pretty special cricketers. I've heard a lot of stories and watched a lot of footage and I guess the influence from my parents and my dad and the old-school Indian cricketers was pretty cool," Ravindra said.

“Obviously, I idolised Sachin Tendulkar. I think a lot of people did. I think the way he batted and his technique was beautiful to watch. I guess being a lefty, there's guys you look at: I love Lara, I love Sangakkara, just the usual gun left-handers; but Tendulkar was definitely the idol."

Ravindra’s blistering 123* came from just 96 deliveries, featured five sixes and 11 fours, and broke the spirit of England’s struggling bowling attack.

It was also the first time that the youngster had played in the top three in a full ODI for New Zealand, boosted up the order after impressing in the warm-up matches as a stand-in opener.

“I think I'm pretty lucky that I was able to get the chance to bat at three. I've opened the batting for my domestic team... so it’s somewhere I'm familiar batting, and I really enjoy batting at the top too," Ravindra said.

Whether or not Ravindra continues in the top three once Kane Williamson is fit to return remains to be seen, but he has made the strongest of cases and will be aided by his all-rounder status.

The spinner sent down a full set of 10 overs against England, but wasn’t too happy with his relatively expensive figures of 1/76.

“Obviously the sort of player I am, I want to be a genuine all-rounder and hopefully continue being a genuine all-rounder in the future. But I'm just happy with whatever labels put on," Ravindra said.

“It probably didn't come out as well as I would have wanted today, but look, that's the beauty of cricket. I think some days you have great days, some days you don't. So, we'll look at it and review it and hopefully go back again next game.”

The youngster’s attacking intent with the bat was critical to New Zealand’s powerplay blitz, putting his team well ahead of the run-rate and limiting the potential of England’s three-pronged spin attack through the middle overs.