This story is from November 9, 2023

Rachin Ravindra a very, very special player: Kane Williamson

New Zealand's entry into the cricket World Cup semifinals is uncertain, but the team has found some bright spots in the form of Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson. Ravindra, a 23-year-old newcomer to the international arena, has impressed with his batting and bowling skills. Captain Kane Williamson praised his talent and contributions to the team. Meanwhile, Ferguson's return from injury has boosted the team's bowling attack. Despite recent struggles, New Zealand remains hopeful and will consider the pitch conditions to determine the team's balance.
Rachin Ravindra a very, very special player: Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra. (AP Photo)
BENGALURU: As New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra made his way for practice at the M Chinnaswamy stadium here on Wednesday, he stopped at the commemorative wall which had Rahul Dravid's silhouette and his statistics in international cricket. He couldn't have found a better place to reflect on the crunch match against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Much like their 2019 campaign, New Zealand's entry into the semifinals hangs in the balance.
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That said, irrespective of the distance the Kiwis will travel in the competition, one of the biggest takeaways for them will be the form of the 23-year-old Rachin.
"He is an amazing talent. He just entered the international arena and to walk into a World Cup here in India is incredible in a lot of ways. He has come into a role that perhaps he hasn't played. Be it opening or top three, what he's done is amazing," skipper Kane Williamson said.
"We sort of knew the talent was there, but to come out and be one of the players of the tournament so far is great. Not only with the bat he's also making valuable contributions with the ball. Very, very special player and great that he's on our side," he added.
The New Zealand bowling attack has struggled to come together and in their four consecutive losses that has pegged them back, the Black Caps have conceded in excess of 1200 runs. The return of
Lockie Ferguson from an Achilles injury has bolstered the skipper's confidence. "He balances out our attack and has made some valuable contributions in the tournament so far. We'll have to have a look at the surface and decide on our balance," Williamson said.
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About the Author
Manuja Veerappa

Manuja Veerappa is a sports and features writer with 19 years of experience. She has covered a repertoire including World Cups in cricket and hockey, Commonwealth Games and world championships in billiards and snooker among other major events. An alumnus of one of Bangalore's most prestigious institutions, Bishop Cotton Girls' School, she represented Karnataka in hockey at the national-level.

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