Latham Celebrates Ravindra’s Composure Amid Historic Win

Tom Latham, New Zealand's captain, expressed immense pride after his team's eight-wicket victory over India in Bengaluru, marking the Kiwis' first Test win on Indian soil since 1988. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially after New Zealand bowled India out for just 46 runs in the first innings. Despite moments where India appeared to regain control, New Zealand held their nerve to secure a historic win.

Key Contributions in a Historic Victory

Reflecting on the win, Latham highlighted the importance of the 137-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee for the eighth wicket, which played a crucial role in setting up their innings. “The game was in the balance when Tim and Rachin formed their partnership,” Latham noted. “If you had told us before the match that we’d be chasing just 100 runs on day five, I would have happily accepted that.”

Ravindra's impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match award, as he scored 134 in the first innings and an unbeaten 39 in the second. Latham praised Ravindra's ability to remain composed under pressure, stating, “The way he calmed the dressing room with his composure, especially for a young player in only his ninth or tenth Test, is exciting. We’ve seen his talent over the last year, and we’re thrilled he’s on our side.”

The Importance of Toss Decisions

Latham also addressed the pivotal toss decision made by Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who chose to bat first on a pitch that had been under covers. Latham acknowledged the luck involved in that decision, stating, “We were going to bat as well. It’s one of those moments where you can fall on the right or wrong side of luck. The conditions didn’t allow India the preparation time they would have liked, and we benefited from that.”

He explained the rationale behind their strategy: “You have to consider whether it would be harder to bat on day one or day five. We expected the match to last the full duration, and we saw that the pitch was deteriorating, with cracks opening up. It’s a delicate balance when you come over here, as it’s rare to win the toss and choose to bowl.”

Managing Pressure and Performance

Chasing a target of 107 was not as straightforward as it may seem, especially given India's resurgence in the second innings. Latham credited his seamers for their performance, particularly during the crucial moments. “We knew India would come back strongly. Their batting was at its best during those critical days, and they posed a real challenge with their lineup,” he acknowledged.

The New Zealand bowlers, particularly Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Will O'Rourke, effectively utilized the new ball, asking consistent questions of the Indian batsmen. “Their efforts with the new ball were outstanding, and they managed to reap the rewards,” Latham stated.

The Kane Williamson Factor

Despite the absence of senior batter Kane Williamson due to injury, New Zealand's performance remained strong. Will Young stepped in admirably, scoring an unbeaten 48 in the chase, which created a selection dilemma for the upcoming Test. Latham remains uncertain about Williamson's availability for the next match starting on October 24, stating, “No news yet, but conversations will happen in the next 24-48 hours. If Kane is fit to play, that would be fantastic for us. Selection headaches are a good problem to have, so fingers crossed he can return soon.”

As New Zealand looks ahead, their historic victory in Bengaluru has set the stage for an exciting continuation of the series. The team’s resilience, strategic decisions, and standout performances like Ravindra’s will be crucial as they aim to build on this success in the forthcoming Tests.