New Zealand allrounder Rachin Ravindra is transitioning his attention from white-ball formats to red-ball cricket as he prepares for an intense Test series against India and Sri Lanka. Following a phase dominated by shorter formats, Ravindra and teammate Ben Sears have recently arrived in Chennai for a training camp, where they will join the rest of the New Zealand Test squad prior to their one-off Test against Afghanistan starting on September 9, followed by two Tests in Sri Lanka and three Tests in India later this year.
Reflecting on his training, Ravindra emphasised the benefits of the red-ball winter camps held in New Zealand, which brought together players from both the Test team and New Zealand A. These camps took place in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Christchurch, and Lincoln, providing an opportunity for players to refine their skills on pitches tailored for red-ball cricket. “It’s been good to reunite, especially since the Test team has been away for some time," Ravindra stated, underlining the importance of team cohesion and adapting to the unique conditions of the subcontinent.
Ravindra has memorable experiences in India, including a strong performance on his Test debut, where he faced a challenging Indian spin attack to secure a draw. As he looks ahead to another series against India, he acknowledges the difficulty posed by their high-quality players, particularly in home conditions. “Playing India in a three-match Test series is always a tough task... We’ll take insights from our last series to heart,” he noted, recalling his experiences in diverse venues such as Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai.
Emphasising the need to adapt to spin-heavy bowling, Ravindra encourages his teammates to keep an "open mind" and learn from batting techniques utilized in the subcontinent. He believes it is crucial for New Zealand players to incorporate these insights, all while capitalising on their own strengths and strategies.
Ravindra’s cricketing journey thus far has been filled with commendable successes. He played a pivotal role in securing the Major League Cricket (MLC) title in the USA and emerged as the tournament's leading spinner. His interactions with cricketing legends like Ricky Ponting have broadened his understanding of the game, highlighting the significance of thorough preparation and mental resilience.
In the wake of the retirements of key players like Ross Taylor and BJ Watling, Ravindra reaffirms the robustness of New Zealand's domestic cricket framework. He believes this competitive atmosphere cultivates talent and readiness, helping emerging players elevate their performance to the international stage.
While some players are gravitating towards lucrative T20 franchises, Ravindra remains firmly committed to representing New Zealand. “For me, playing for New Zealand is what I prioritise right now,” he affirmed, pointing to the mutual respect and understanding among teammates concerning their career decisions.
As Ravindra gears up for the impending Tests, he exemplifies the combination of youth and experience that New Zealand cricket aspires to maintain, poised to confront the challenges of the subcontinent with a positive demeanour.