Cricket: Rachin Ravindra eager to make triumphant return to test arena

Rachin Ravindra is eager to capitalise on his opportunity to play in the upcoming two-match test series against South Africa - his first long-form matches for New Zealand in more than two years.     

Despite missing out on selection for the Bangladesh test series in December, Ravindra's breakout at last year's one-day international World Cup inspired coach Gary Stead to promote him into the squad for his side's first series of the new year.     

After averaging just 14 runs over his previous three tests for New Zealand, all of which were in in 2022 and 2021, Ravindra is looking to solidify himself in Stead's red-ball side going forward.     

"It's been a year or two since I've been in the test set up and I guess for me, and a lot of people, test cricket is the pinnacle so getting the opportunity to get in amongst the test unit is always great," Ravindra said.  

During his sublime World Cup, Ravindra was used as all-rounder, however after Henry Nicholls was left out of the 14-man squad, Ravindra is expecting he'll get most of his opportunities against the Proteas with the bat.     

"It's a little bit different to where I've played previously, I was in that all-rounder role a couple of years ago but I'm now into that middle-order batting role."    

If Ravindra, 24, does bat at No.4, he'll have plenty of test experience around him in the middle.    

"You've got Kane at three and Daryll at five who's one of the best all-format players in the world... Devon, Tommy, guys who are amazing test cricketers so anything I can do to learn from them will be great.    

"I'm excited to get out there and experience a different sort of role."    

Despite recently being named ICC's emerging player of the year, Ravindra isn't putting unnecessary pressure on himself heading into the series.  

"I'm not a massive goal setter in terms of runs and wickets as I feel you can get too caught up in the results and runs and wickets.    

"I'd just love to contribute to winning test matches for New Zealand and I think, if I can focus on what I can do for the team in that moment, hopefully that will hold me in good stead."    

Join Newshub at 11am on Sunday for live updates of the first Blackcaps v South Africa test match. 

Rachin Ravindra is eager to capitalise on his opportunity to play in the upcoming two-match test series against South Africa - his first long-form matches for New Zealand in more than two years.     

Despite missing out on selection for the Bangladesh test series in December, Ravindra's breakout at last year's one-day international World Cup inspired coach Gary Stead to promote him into the squad for his side's first series of the new year.     

After averaging just 14 runs over his previous three tests for New Zealand, all of which were in in 2022 and 2021, Ravindra is looking to solidify himself in Stead's red-ball side going forward.     

"It's been a year or two since I've been in the test set up and I guess for me, and a lot of people, test cricket is the pinnacle so getting the opportunity to get in amongst the test unit is always great," Ravindra said.  

During his sublime World Cup, Ravindra was used as all-rounder, however after Henry Nicholls was left out of the 14-man squad, Ravindra is expecting he'll get most of his opportunities against the Proteas with the bat.     

"It's a little bit different to where I've played previously, I was in that all-rounder role a couple of years ago but I'm now into that middle-order batting role."    

If Ravindra, 24, does bat at No.4, he'll have plenty of test experience around him in the middle.    

"You've got Kane at three and Daryll at five who's one of the best all-format players in the world... Devon, Tommy, guys who are amazing test cricketers so anything I can do to learn from them will be great.    

"I'm excited to get out there and experience a different sort of role."    

Despite recently being named ICC's emerging player of the year, Ravindra isn't putting unnecessary pressure on himself heading into the series.  

"I'm not a massive goal setter in terms of runs and wickets as I feel you can get too caught up in the results and runs and wickets.    

"I'd just love to contribute to winning test matches for New Zealand and I think, if I can focus on what I can do for the team in that moment, hopefully that will hold me in good stead."    

Join Newshub at 11am on Sunday for live updates of the first Blackcaps v South Africa test match. 

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