Saikiran Uppuluri
Saikiran Uppuluri
If you haven’t heard the name Rachin Ravindra yet, you will soon. The 22-year-old New Zealand all-rounder has taken the cricket world by storm over the last six months with a series of outstanding performances across all three formats.
Ravindra announced himself on the world stage last August in spectacular fashion, blasting 565 runs at an incredible average of 70 with a strike rate over 110 on debut in the ICC World Cup. He solidified his spot at #4 in the New Zealand Test team with a double century and several other impressive innings against Australia.
The left-handed batsman and handy off-spinner has also rapidly established himself in New Zealand’s T20I team with a string of impactful knocks. His all-round talents were recognized when he was named the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year for 2023.
Capping off an amazing six-month stretch, Ravindra was awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal as New Zealand’s Player of the Year. He is the youngest recipient in the award’s history.
The future looks incredibly bright for the rising star and his success has seamlessly transitioned to the IPL. After being signed by the Chennai Super Kings, Ravindra has made an immediate impact, scoring crucial runs and taking key wickets.
With a printed cricket IQ beyond his years and a maturity in his strokeplay, Ravindra seems destined for superstardom across all formats. He has all the tools to become a legendary all-rounder – the new Devon Conway or Kane Williamson for the Black Caps.
The cricketing world, watch out. Rachin Ravindra has arrived and will only continue rising over the years to come. New Zealand has unearthed their next generational talent.
