WATCH: Here's How Rachin Ravindra's Grandmother Protecting Him From 'Buri Nazar'

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been class apart in the ongoing World Cup 2023. With 565 runs in 9 games, the all-rounder is currently the leading run-scorer of the tournament. The 23-year-old has scored three centuries and a couple of fifty-plus scores so far and is just 109 runs away from shattering master blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a single edition of an ODI World Cup.

Ravindra’s maiden World Cup experience got even sweeter when he contributed to New Zealand’s win against Sri Lanka in the city which was once home to his parents before they moved to New Zealand. During his visit to Bengaluru, he visited his grandparents’ residence.

Follow all the action from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 including the World Cup schedule, World Cup 2023 results, and ICC Cricket World Cup points table. Players are vying to top the World Cup 2023 Most Runs and World Cup 2023 Most Wickets charts. 

In a video going viral on social media, Ravindra’s grandmother could be seen praying for his well-being and performing an old Indian ritual to protect his grandson from evil eyes.

On Thursday night, the crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium chanted Ravindra’s name in unison when he was out there to bat against Sri Lanka. Chasing 172, the Kiwi all-rounder scored 42 off 34 balls as New Zealand won the game by 5 wickets.

Ravindra admitted it felt “surreal” to hear his name being chanted by Indian fans during Thursday’s World Cup win over Sri Lanka.

“It’s a pretty surreal feeling,” Ravindra told the official broadcasters.

“I am grateful for the support, especially playing in Bangalore. The crowd chanting my name is something I will never take for granted. I dreamt of it as a child. I feel very happy to be here, lucky enough it worked out,” he added.

He almost didn’t get his opportunity at the World Cup, only named in the starting line-up when skipper Kane Williamson needed more time to recover from a knee injury.

“Six to 12 months ago, I wasn’t even in the frame,” he admitted.

“It’s a funny one. I have idolised Kane. I have idolised a lot like Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root. But Kane, his leadership, on and off the field, just keeps it calm,” he added.