by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
New Zealand’s emerging talent, Rachin Ravindra, is preparing for the challenges of a two-Test series against Bangladesh starting on November 28. Ravindra garnered global attention with his outstanding performance in the recently concluded ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, amassing 578 runs at an impressive average of 64.22, including three centuries and two half-centuries. His left-arm spin also contributed five wickets, with the best figures of 2/21.
Despite modest returns in his three Test appearances so far, the 22-year-old all-rounder is a strong contender for New Zealand’s playing XI in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, particularly after his stellar World Cup performance.
In a video released by New Zealand Cricket, Ravindra discussed the transition from white-ball to red-ball cricket, emphasizing the importance of adjusting to the conditions.
“I enjoy going back to red-ball cricket after that [the recent white-ball experience in the World Cup] because that means your intent [is positive], you are almost looking to score. So, I mean, [that] keeps you in a good position to score,” said Ravindra. “But probably here it depends on the conditions. What the pitch is doing, it’s probably going to dial that back a little bit, not as many risks. You can still play your natural game, by understanding the surface and the situation of the game dictates you.”
Ravindra highlighted the need for the team to adapt to the longevity of a Test match. “I think we sometimes don’t understand how long a Test match really is. You have five days of 90 overs each day, so there’s a lot of time here. So hopefully we can bring that calmness in the group, from the one-dayers to the red-ball stuff.”
He also emphasized the importance of adjusting to different situations in Test cricket, especially in the subcontinent. “You’ve got a little transition period, and you probably don’t have as much time to get yourself in; but also it’s Test cricket, so you actually do have a lot of time. It’s a different role for sure; it’s not a new ball [role in Bangladesh] –
I might come in and straightaway face a spinner. So just wrapping your head around that and seeing what sort of way you can adjust your game plan and get used to facing slower bowling instead of seam up top. But the beauty of it [is that] you contribute whatever way you can for the team no matter what role it is, and hopefully you contribute to a win.”
Acknowledging his ability to contribute with left-arm spin, Ravindra shared plans based on his prior experience in Bangladesh, including a T20I tour in 2021.
“Bowl with a quicker pace rather than what we are probably accustomed to bowling back home; if you are putting it in the area and dialling up the pace a little bit more, hopefully, have a little bit of success.”
New Zealand’s tour of Bangladesh will feature two Tests to be played in Sylhet and Mirpur.
