Rachin Ravindra has taken the cricketing world by storm with his stellar performance in the opening match of the World Cup 2023 against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium on October 5. Making his debut in a World Cup match, the talented southpaw displayed exquisite batting skills and effortlessly dismantled the formidable England bowling attack. Notably, he also contributed with the ball, fulfilling his role as a bowler effectively and even securing the crucial wicket of Harry Brook.
Rachin Ravindra’s meteoric rise in the ODI format has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite making his debut just a few months ago in May, he has exhibited class and talent worthy of earning a spot in New Zealand’s World Cup squad. His standout performance in the tournament included a memorable maiden ODI century, an unbeaten 123, leading his team to a resounding victory over the defending champions in the World Cup 2023 opener.
But who is Rachin Ravindra?
At 23 years of age, Rachin Ravindra is a promising cricketer representing New Zealand. He is primarily a left-handed batsman with the added ability to bowl left-arm orthodox spin. What makes his story even more intriguing is his Indian heritage. Born to Indian parents in Wellington, New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra has a unique connection to the country of his ancestors.
The Tale Behind the Name ‘Rachin Ravindra’
The story behind Rachin Ravindra’s name is fascinating and deeply rooted in the world of cricket. His father, Mr. Ravindra Krishnamurthy, hails from Bangalore, India, and had a passion for cricket during his college years. He held immense admiration for two cricketing legends, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.
When Rachin was born, his father decided to pay tribute to his favorite cricketers by combining elements of their names to form his son’s unique name. Hence, Rachin Ravindra’s name is a harmonious blend of ‘Rahul’ and ‘Sachin,’ with ‘RA’ representing Rahul and ‘CHIN’ signifying Sachin, creating a name that resonates with cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Rachin Ravindra is talking about his name ❤️🔥🔥#ENGvNZ #blackcaps #CWC23 #NarendraModiStadium #WC2023#icccricketworldcup2023 "Virat Kohli " Misbah " #EnglandCricket #England#KapilSharma #PAKvNED "Rahul Dravid" New Zealand " Sachin Tendulkar pic.twitter.com/pWyoYo7fSk
— Aman Yaduvanshi 🇮🇳 (@AmanYaduvanshiS) October 5, 2023
Rachin Ravindra’s Strong Indian Connection
Rachin Ravindra’s Indian connection runs deep, with his father, Ravi Krishnamurthy, being a software architect born in Bengaluru, India. Rachin’s family and ancestors resided in the Jayanagar area of Southern Bengaluru. His paternal grandfather, Dr. T.A. Balakrishna Adiga, was a renowned biology faculty member who taught at Vijaya College in Bengaluru.
Interestingly, Rachin Ravindra watched the 2019 World Cup Final in India while spending the summer in the country. He watched New Zealand’s thrilling encounter against England in a Bengaluru bar, cheering passionately for his nation. Reflecting on the experience, he described it as a rollercoaster ride filled with the highs and lows of the game, surrounded by enthusiastic Indian supporters.
Rachin Ravindra’s journey is not only marked by his exceptional cricketing talent but also by the rich tapestry of his Indian heritage, the inspiration drawn from cricketing legends, and his love for the game that transcends borders.