India’s batters have to be wary of the bounce in NZ: Rachin

Rachin Ravindra’s connection with India goes beyond his family’s roots. The 26-year-old Wellington-born all-rounder, whose parents emigrated from Bengaluru, made his Test debut against India in Kanpur in 2021. It was also in India during the 2023 ODI World Cup that Rachin had his breakout campaign for New Zealand: the southpaw finished fourth in the run-getters’ list with a tally of 578.

Rachin will hope to rekindle that form during India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, which begins with five T20Is from October 22 followed by as many ODIs and two Tests. Although he will miss the T20I series due to a freak shoulder injury suffered during a promotional shoot for New Zealand’s home season, he will be back for the first three ODIs before turning his attention to the Tests.

“I’d like to think I’d come in feeling a little bit more refreshed,” Rachin said of his injury break in his Kiwi twang on Thursday. “It’s been a busy three years for me. So sometimes, it’s a blessing in disguise. I can really work on a few things that I want to and reset a little mentally.”

Having learnt his cricket in New Zealand, Rachin’s technique is intrinsically geared for the challenge of swing and seam. Owing to his frequent visits to India given his heritage, he is also well-equipped against spin.

According to Rachin, the biggest adjustment for India’s batters upon landing on those shores will revolve around the extra bounce. India’s visit has been scheduled at the start of the season when pitches can be expected to be at their freshest.

“It’s the bounce. It’s quite hard to hit the ball down the ground. That’s something that India has to be wary of,” he cautioned. “You can bash away on a hard length and you’ll get a little bit of nip and bounce, compared to India where it skids through nicely.”

(Watch India tour of New Zealand live and exclusive on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV starting October 22).