New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, reflected on his remarkable performance in the ODI World Cup in India and his rapid rise in international cricket.
"Things have happened quite quickly, and I am very fortunate to be here right now," he said in Sylhet, where New Zealand are getting ready for a two-Test series against Bangladesh before heading back home where they will again play Bangladesh, though in a short-format series.
"At my age, being able to travel around the world playing cricket, playing a game you love, for a living is pretty special. [It] definitely has its ups and downs, but mostly I love every single moment," Ravindra, just past his 24th birthday, said. "Look, I think it's a testament to the team environment: to be able to come in and play with freedom, and enjoy my time learning from those guys who have been here for so long. It's been great to rub shoulders with everyone, and hopefully I can keep learning from them."
And transitioning from white-ball cricket to red-ball cricket is not a big deal. In fact, it's something Ravindra said he looked forward to.
"I enjoy going back to red-ball cricket after that (ODIs) because that means your intent… you are almost looking to score, so, I mean, [it] keeps you in a good position to score," he said. "But probably here [in Bangladesh] 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.
"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."
The 24-year-old, who scored 543 runs in the ODI World Cup tournament, including three centuries and two half-centuries, acknowledged the quick progression in his career during a press interaction in Sylhet, where New Zealand is gearing up for a two-Test series against Bangladesh.
Ravindra credited the team environment for his success and emphasized the joy of playing the game he loves. Transitioning from white-ball cricket to red-ball cricket, he expressed eagerness, stating that he enjoys the shift and looks forward to contributing with intent in Test cricket.
Having played just three Tests so far, Ravindra is excited to showcase how his game has evolved since his debut series in India in late 2021. He recognizes the challenges of the different formats but believes in adapting his natural game to suit the conditions.
The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh provides Ravindra with an opportunity to contribute to the team's success in a different role. While his batting prowess gives him an edge, the spin-heavy New Zealand squad in Bangladesh poses healthy competition. Ravindra is keen to learn from experienced spinners like Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi while maintaining his unique style.
Sylhet, the venue for the first Test, is known for its seamer-friendly conditions, but spinners are expected to play a significant role. Ravindra, along with other New Zealand spinners, aims to contribute effectively. He expressed excitement about working with Saqlain Mushtaq, who is assisting the spinners during the Bangladesh tour, appreciating not only his cricket insights but also the wisdom he imparts off the field.
"Things have happened quite quickly, and I am very fortunate to be here right now," he said in Sylhet, where New Zealand are getting ready for a two-Test series against Bangladesh before heading back home where they will again play Bangladesh, though in a short-format series.
"At my age, being able to travel around the world playing cricket, playing a game you love, for a living is pretty special. [It] definitely has its ups and downs, but mostly I love every single moment," Ravindra, just past his 24th birthday, said. "Look, I think it's a testament to the team environment: to be able to come in and play with freedom, and enjoy my time learning from those guys who have been here for so long. It's been great to rub shoulders with everyone, and hopefully I can keep learning from them."
And transitioning from white-ball cricket to red-ball cricket is not a big deal. In fact, it's something Ravindra said he looked forward to.
"I enjoy going back to red-ball cricket after that (ODIs) because that means your intent… you are almost looking to score, so, I mean, [it] keeps you in a good position to score," he said. "But probably here [in Bangladesh] 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.
"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."
The 24-year-old, who scored 543 runs in the ODI World Cup tournament, including three centuries and two half-centuries, acknowledged the quick progression in his career during a press interaction in Sylhet, where New Zealand is gearing up for a two-Test series against Bangladesh.
Ravindra credited the team environment for his success and emphasized the joy of playing the game he loves. Transitioning from white-ball cricket to red-ball cricket, he expressed eagerness, stating that he enjoys the shift and looks forward to contributing with intent in Test cricket.
Having played just three Tests so far, Ravindra is excited to showcase how his game has evolved since his debut series in India in late 2021. He recognizes the challenges of the different formats but believes in adapting his natural game to suit the conditions.
The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh provides Ravindra with an opportunity to contribute to the team's success in a different role. While his batting prowess gives him an edge, the spin-heavy New Zealand squad in Bangladesh poses healthy competition. Ravindra is keen to learn from experienced spinners like Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi while maintaining his unique style.
Sylhet, the venue for the first Test, is known for its seamer-friendly conditions, but spinners are expected to play a significant role. Ravindra, along with other New Zealand spinners, aims to contribute effectively. He expressed excitement about working with Saqlain Mushtaq, who is assisting the spinners during the Bangladesh tour, appreciating not only his cricket insights but also the wisdom he imparts off the field.
