'Combination of Form and Preparation': Rachin Ravindra Reveals How he Trained for New Zealand's Subcontinent Tour

It was a homecoming to remember for the young New Zealand batting star, Rachin Ravindra, who won the Player of the Match award for his stellar knock of 134 followed by an unbeaten 39 against India in the opening Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

With his family originally from the city, Ravindra made the return to his home town special as he played a crucial role in the Kiwis registering their first win on Indian soil after 35 long years. The youngster expressed his happiness in his training to adapt to the challenges of the subcontinent conditions paying off. His ability to play on both the front and back foot was one key aspect which allowed him to get a massive score on the board.

“It’s a combination of form and preparation. As long as I’m clear and know my plan, it helps. Knowing when to go forward or back helps, and so does getting into good positions. When you have six subcontinent Tests coming up, you do extra work – indoors, put some mats down, or head out and do some training. Luckily, it all worked out today,” Ravindra revealed, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Ravindra revealed aspects of his preparations, which included playing in a variety of conditions to ensure that he had all the bases covered. This included practising on both red and black soil tracks while also facing bowlers in the nets.

“Was trying to get a feel of different pitches, red and black soil while preparing in Chennai, and figure out what positions I could get in and guards I could take to different bowlers. It was a great set-up there, got an open wicket, different wickets, nets every day, net bowlers every day, and invaluable experience. Grateful for those guys putting it on,” he added.

Ravindra had his intent clear, which was to keep the runs ticking. This meant he was open to taking the odd single or even going for a more attacking shot if the delivery demanded so, as revealed by the Kiwi batter.

“I try to be in good positions to be able to score and open up areas. Want to rotate strike too, not necessarily attack. Having family is emotional, the phone starts blowing up, and the crowds do too. Makes it even more special,” he concluded.