Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand’s Indian-origin spinner who played a pivotal role in helping his side draw the first Test against India, said he was quite nervous about how the game would pan out as far as his bowling was concerned.
The 22-year-old Rachin Ravindra, in the company of Indian-born Ajaz Patel (2 off 23 balls), held a 91-ball vigil that yielded 18 runs for him to save the match for his side, which was nine down in pursuit of 284 on the final day.
Rachin Ravindra Was A Bit Nervous Bowling Wise
Ajaz Patel, who was born in Mumbai, played for the first time in the country of his birth. He also picked up three wickets in the game even though Rachin Ravindra went wicket-less. The 33-year-old Ajaz Patel interviewed Rachin Ravindra for the New Zealand cricket team’s official Twitter handle and recalled his own Test debut.
“I remember my my first Test match, I was really nervous, and my hands were shaking when I first got the ball. How was it for you?” Patel asked.
Rachin Ravindra candidly admitted to having nerves of his own.
“I felt a bit nervous bowling wise. We were about four down in first innings when I was next, so definitely felt a few butterflies (that time), but I think after a few balls, I did what I do. Luckily it ended up okay,” said Wellington-based player.
Rachin Ravindra has already a lot of attention for his Indian roots, and his first name is inspired by Indian greats Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. The youngster said he enjoyed playing in front of Indian fans.
“Being able to play in India in front of crazy fans. Glad to have done that. My mum and dad have been such big influences on my career. I am sure that they are proud,” said Ravindra.
Needing just one wicket to take a 1-0 lead in the series, the Indian bowlers could not breach the defenses of Ravindra and last man Ajaz Patel as the game ended in a draw. New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra said he felt “big relief” when the Kiwis managed to survive by the barest of margins on the last day of the first Test against India.
Rachin Ravindra And Ajaz Patel’s 10th Wicket Unbeaten Partnership In NZ’s 2nd Innings Helped Team Salvage A Thrilling Draw
Rachin Ravindra faced a total of 91 balls, while Ajaz Patel supported him by blocking almost everything in his path.
“We did it together bro,” he said, sharing a smile with Patel.
Later, in another video posted by New Zealand Cricket, Rachin Ravindra said the partnership with Ajaz Patel was unforgettable.
“I think I was actually alright in the end, I knew my process, my training, and I backed myself to do it. You are kind of pretty focussed, taking in the crowd, you know, how loud they were. It was quite nerve-wracking. I guess we (he and Patel) somehow managed our nerves together. It’s a moment I will never forget,” he added.
Mumbai-born Ajaz Patel (2 off 23 balls) and Karnataka-born Rachin Ravindra (18 not out off 91 balls) consumed 8.4 overs after the fall of the ninth wicket to keep New Zealand on an even keel in the two-match series.
A lot of credit should also go to night-watchman Will Somerville (36 off 110 balls), who first played the entire fifth morning to raise visions of the improbable draw. The second and final Test of the ongoing series will be played in Mumbai from December 3.
India 345 (Iyer 105, Gill 52, Jadeja 50, Southee 5-69, Jamieson 3-91) and 234 for 7 declared. (Iyer 65, Saha 61, Jamieson 3-40, Southee 3-75) drew with New Zealand 296 (Latham 95, Young 89, Axar 5-62, Ashwin 3-82) and 165 for 9 (Latham 52, Jadeja 4-40, Ashwin 3-35)