ICC World Cup 2023: Who is Rachin Ravindra, the New Zealand batting hero named after 2 Indian cricket greats?

Making his World Cup debut against defending champions England on Thursday in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra came up with a memorable century to earn a comfortable win for his side.

Coming out to bat at No. 3, Ravindra — whose parents were born in India — made full use of Kane Williamson’s absence by producing a fabulous unbeaten knock of 123 off just 96 balls. His unbroken partnership with Devon Conway— the fourth-biggest one in the history of the World Cup—was enough for the Kiwis to clinch an emphatic nine-wicket win.

Here are five things to know about this young cricket hero:

1. The 23-year-old was born to Indian immigrants in Wellington.

Ravindra was named by his parents after two cricket greats – Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. “I think those two (Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar) are pretty special cricketers. I've heard a lot of stories and watched a lot of footage and I guess the influence from my parents and my dad and the old-school Indian cricketers was pretty cool," Ravindra was quoted as saying by the ICC.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

2. Ravindra’s 123 against England in Ahmedabad is now the fastest century by a New Zealander in a World Cup match.

That he achieved the record in India was a special moment for the family. “I think a hundred is always special, but I guess in terms of being able to perform in India, it's cool to have the Indian roots. It was nice to have my parents there watching — they flew over from New Zealand,” Ravindra said.

3. The young cricketer made his Test and T20I debut in 2021.

In ODIs, Ravindra earned his maiden call-up earlier this year in March against Sri Lanka. With an average of 39 and a strike rate of 117.73, he has so far done a decent job in his 13 ODI matches.

4. Apart from his swashbuckling batting, Ravindra also bowls left-arm spin.

Ravindra has so far scalped 13 wickets in as many matches in ODIs. He enjoys a decent economy rate of 6.31 in the 50-over format.

• ICC World Cup 2023: Great chance for Fakhar Zaman to regain his rhythm