As New Zealand gears up for their inaugural men’s Test against Ireland and a subsequent Test series against England, Rachin Ravindra feels mentally and physically rejuvenated following his early departure from the IPL. Ravindra, who left the Kolkata Knight Riders due to limited playtime, praised the team’s support for his decision to return home for preparation.
Despite his limited game time in the IPL, Ravindra expressed confidence in his match readiness for the upcoming UK tour. The all-rounder utilized his brief break to focus on red-ball cricket training before rejoining the national squad, emphasizing the importance of Test cricket.
Reflecting on his IPL experience, Ravindra highlighted the invaluable learning opportunities gained from interactions with seasoned international cricketers and coaches. He acknowledged the benefits of conversations with players like Ajinkya Rahane and coaches such as Abhishek Nayar and Shane Watson beyond the T20 format.
Excited about New Zealand’s pace-heavy squad for the upcoming tours, Ravindra praised the return of key bowlers like Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry. He particularly lauded Will O’Rourke’s recent performances and expressed eagerness to face the formidable pace battery in the nets.
Ready to contribute with his left-arm spin if needed, Ravindra emphasized his willingness to support the team in any capacity. With no specialist spinner in the squad, he acknowledged the challenges of Test cricket and expressed readiness to work on his consistency.
Looking ahead to the Ireland Test, Ravindra emphasized the importance of not underestimating the hosts despite the match not affecting the World Test Championship standings. He highlighted the need to respect Ireland as a Test-playing nation and prepare diligently for the upcoming series against England.
