Ravindra's Wristy Knock Adds New Chapter to His Bengaluru Story

On a thrilling third day of play in Bengaluru, a staggering 453 runs were scored, showcasing the batting prowess on both sides. Before the batters took center stage, however, India's bowlers asserted their dominance in the first session, claiming four wickets for just 40 runs and putting New Zealand in a precarious position. Following that initial onslaught, it was Rachin Ravindra's impressive 134-run innings that stole the spotlight, supported well by a spirited performance from Tim Southee. The conditions differed significantly from the first day, presenting a challenging outing for the bowlers.

Ravindra's batting style shone through, particularly his inclination to score on the onside, which accounted for an impressive 58% of his total runs. What sets him apart from other visiting batters is his ability to avoid the conventional sweep shot, often favored by those facing spinners in India. When he did employ the sweep, it was primarily a slog through midwicket that resulted in four sixes. His wristy style and placement allowed him to thrive, with 67 of his 78 runs on the onside coming primarily through midwicket and long-on.

Despite a few low-bouncing deliveries that tested him against India’s spinners, the surface in Bengaluru remained conducive for batting, with only a hint of turn. The more pressing concern for New Zealand was their precarious position, which risked allowing India to reclaim control of the match. However, Ravindra and Southee forged a formidable partnership, adding 137 runs off just 131 balls, effectively reversing the momentum in their favor.

Reflecting on his innings, Ravindra noted, "On a wicket like this, you can pick and choose your shots since it wasn't overly challenging—there weren’t many demons in it. In today’s Test cricket, there’s a constant need to drive the team forward and maintain scoring rates. We aimed to keep pushing and seize every opportunity to score."

He further emphasized the importance of capitalizing on their lead, especially after losing seven wickets. “We had a good lead, but it was crucial to build on it. The wicket was still good for batting, and we needed to keep the scoreboard ticking,” he explained.

During this phase of play, Ravindra showcased his seldom-used slog-sweep, a move that ultimately contributed to his dismissal. However, his innovative approach to countering spin had even the Indian players taking note. As he walked off the field, he received applause from his opponents, culminating in high praise at the end of the day's play.

Kuldeep Yadav, who nearly dismissed Ravindra on two occasions, acknowledged his performance with a smile. “He batted really well. I missed a couple of chances to get him out, but overall, he’s a fantastic player who has improved significantly over the past two years. His batting technique is solid, and he appears comfortable against spinners,” Kuldeep remarked. He added humorously, “But I hope he doesn’t continue to bat so well in the remaining matches against us!”

Leading up to this series, Ravindra had refined his spin techniques at the Chennai Super Kings academy, training on various types of wickets. “The experience was invaluable. I felt that with the success we had before coming to the subcontinent, it made sense to get a few days of training there. The conditions were much more realistic compared to the used wickets we would encounter back in New Zealand,” he shared.

“Fortunately, the CSK team organized four or five days of excellent training on red and black soil pitches. This experience was crucial in helping me solidify my game plans and refine certain aspects of my technique,” he explained.

Ravindra's connection to Bengaluru, where his family has roots and where he previously scored a World Cup century, has now grown deeper with this innings. As he continues to make his mark in this city, he adds yet another chapter to his story. Despite the focus shifting towards the batsmen, the Indian bowling unit is likely to keep a close eye on Ravindra as the series progresses, knowing they still have a significant challenge ahead.

This innings not only highlighted Ravindra's emerging talent but also signified a crucial turning point for New Zealand in a match that had seemed to slip from their grasp early on. His ability to adapt to conditions, coupled with a strategic approach to scoring, has made him a key player to watch as the series unfolds.

With much cricket still to be played, the implications of Ravindra's performance will resonate throughout the series. As both teams prepare for the next phase, the battle between bat and ball promises to deliver more thrilling moments and high-stakes encounters. Ravindra's burgeoning reputation as a formidable opponent will undoubtedly make him a focal point for the Indian bowling attack in the matches to come. As he builds on his successful stint in Bengaluru, the stage is set for an exciting continuation of the series, with all eyes on Ravindra and his evolving prowess in the game.