IND vs NZ: Bengaluru Test 'extra significant' for Rachin Ravindra due to roots

Rachin Ravindra has said that the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru would be extra special for him because of his roots being firmly established in the city. Rachin's parents hail from the city while his grandparents still live here.

In Short

• Rachin scored a hundred in Bengaluru during the ODI World Cup
• The New Zealand batter said he is proud of his Indian heritage
• The first Test between India and New Zealand will start on October 16

New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra has claimed that the Bengaluru Test against India will be extra significant for him because of his roots. Rachin, who has been a revelation for New Zealand since his debut, has his roots firmly established in Bengaluru, with his parents Ravi Krishnamurthy and Deepa hailing from the city and his grandparents settled here.

Speaking to the media, as quoted by PTI, ahead of the first Test of the series, Rachin said he is expecting his family members to be part of the crowd with his father making the journey from Wellington. The left-handed batter said such moments are when he would pinch himself on his journey in cricket.

“It’s something different about playing a Test match. You’re here for five days and it’s a tradition, you know, Test cricket’s the pinnacle. I guess it makes it extra significant because of the family connection,” said Ravindra.

“There’ll be a bunch of them in the crowd and I know Dad will be here watching. So those moments, you know, you pinch yourself on the journey and for this it’s definitely one,” said Ravindra.

Proud of my Indian heritage

Rachin said that he is very proud of his Indian heritage and playing in front of his family is something pretty special.

“I’m born and brought up in Wellington, you know, I’m a Kiwi all the way through. So, for me it’s amazing and I’m very proud of my Indian heritage and to be able to play where a lot of my family is based is something pretty special,” he added.

The New Zealand batter has fond memories of playing at the Chinnaswamy, as he scored a blazing hundred against Pakistan during the ODI World Cup. He would also represent CSK in the IPL against RCB.

“Yeah, it’s cool, I think. Obviously, when I was here last time, well I guess it was the IPL, and then before that it was the ODI World Cup. So, two pretty cool experiences to have, part of two very good teams and had those experiences,” he added.

The first Test between India and New Zealand will start on October 16.