Meet Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand’s World Cup Hero With Indian Roots
Rachin Ravindra, the youngest New Zealand batter to score a World Cup century on Indian soil, is a name that cricket fans around the world will now be familiar with.
The 23-year-old all-rounder played a significant role in both innings of New Zealand’s nine-wicket win against defending champions England in the opening game of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
With Kane Williamson still recovering from an injury and Lockie Ferguson ruled out at the last minute, Ravindra was given a chance in the starting XI and he grabbed it with both hands.
Coming at No. 3, Ravindra scored a maiden ODI century for New Zealand, hitting five sixes and 11 fours in his unbeaten 123 off 96 balls.
He shared a fantastic 273-run partnership with opener Devon Conway, and at 23 years and 321 days, he became the third-youngest batter to score a century on World Cup debut.
Ravindra also bowled a full 10 overs in England’s innings, taking the crucial wicket of Harry Brook.
Ravindra, who takes its name from two Indian cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, made history on Indian soil by accomplishing such an achievement.
He’s one of the brightest stars of cricket, and his performance so far in the World Cup has been nothing short of stunning.

How Rachin Ravindra Got His Name
Rachin Ravindra, the New Zealand cricketer who scored his maiden one-day international century in India this past October, takes his name after two of India’s legendary figures: Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
Ravindra Krishnamurthy was named for two Indian cricketers whom his parents, Ravi and Deepa Krishnamurthy, held dear. Ravi, as an avid club player and cricket enthusiast himself, desired that two such names should be given as possible choices when choosing his son’s name for birth registration purposes.
Ravindra remembers her parents discussing possible names for him when choosing his names, both liking Rahul and Sachin’s as potential choices for himself and Chin for Sachin, although that happened long ago. Both wonderful players, she considers it an honor and privilege to bear those names as they both make for amazing players to emulate! “Cin comes from Rahul; Ra is from Sachin. All are exceptional players – an honour indeed to bear them as namesakes!”
Ravindra was recognized early for his talent. At just 18, he represented New Zealand’s Under-19 side and their “A” team as well as being selected to participate in two Under-19 World Cup tournaments between 2016 and 2018 before debuting against Bangladesh for T20Is against that same year and being dismissed early due to not performing.
Ravindra has since shown great resilience. In 2022 he made his ODI debut against England and scored his maiden century in 2023 World Cup against Russia; since then he has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young all-rounders globally.
Rachin Ravindra: New Zealand’s next big star makes his Test debut
Rachin Ravindra, the New Zealand all-rounder with Indian roots who made his Test debut there last month, wears number eight jersey out of respect for late basketball superstar Kobe Bryant who passed away – who inspired his decision.
Ravindra recently broke into New Zealand’s One Day International cricket setup and has quickly made his mark, scoring 73 runs in three Test matches, 312 runs across 13 ODIs and 145 T20Is for his nation.
Ravindra Jadeja is both humble and determined, showing both humility and ambition with every match played. One of the world’s most exciting young cricketers, with potential to become one of its greats one day!
Ravindra cheered for Black Caps from India in 2019
Rachin Ravindra, the New Zealand all-rounder who scored an unbeaten century on his World Cup debut in India this month, is no stranger to India. His father founded Hutt Hawks Cricket Club in New Zealand – which became legendary Indian batsman Javagal Srinath’s close ally during their friendship. Every year after that, Ravindra joined his cricket club members on trips back home; 2019 marked Ravindra joining them.
That year, Ravindra experienced one of his greatest sports moments at an Indian stock exchange bar watching England face New Zealand in a World Cup Final at Bengaluru surrounded by Indian supporters cheering loudly for New Zealand – it was unforgettable for Ravindra who found comfort among such supporters who cheered wildly for the Black Caps!
“The experience was unforgettable – full of highs and lows that will stay with me forever!” Ravindra stated during an interview. Having Indian supporters cheer for them added another dimension that I will not soon forget!
Ravindra has come a long way, from cheering New Zealand as a fan from India in 2019 to scoring a century on his World Cup debut for them as an active member in 2023 – an inspiring testament of hard work, ambition, and perseverance. His story shines brightly! He stands as an inspirational example for people around him to do just what their dreams call them to do and stay dedicated!