‘If Kane Williamson hadn’t been slightly unfit… Ravindra might not have gotten his chance’: Tim Southee | Cricket News
In the opening game of the 2023 World Cup when New Zealand played England in Ahemadabad Rachin Ravindra blitzed with 96-balls 123 runs. Post the match-winning innings Ravindra got a continued run in the New Zealand team and now has become a regular in the side. Former New Zealand cricketer Tim Southee would recall if Kane Williamson had not been injured Rachin would not have got his opportunity.
“He’s still young, but he has a mature mindset. If Kane Williamson hadn’t been slightly unfit due to his knee injury during the One-Day World Cup last year, Ravindra might not have gotten his chance. But everything happens for a reason. He is always eager to learn, constantly seeking advice from experienced players like Williamson. For a young player, his willingness to improve stands out,” Southee said speaking on ESPNcricinfo.
Rachin smashed his fifth ICC ton in the game against South Africa to help New Zealand get into the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Former Australian cricketer Mathew Hayden too would be impressed with Rachin and sing his praises. “He rotates the strike well and has a good sweep shot and a good down-the-ground shot, so he’s the complete package in terms of strike rate and scoring rate. He’s a player of the ages,” Hayden said.
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“The beautiful areas are his cover driving,” Hayden said describing him as a classical player. “He gets himself into incredible positions. He’s a very front-foot player but can also rock back, use his height as an advantage and play square of the wicket,” Hayden added.
New Zealand will face India in the final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai. “Once we go to Dubai, we’ll switch back and think about the final,” Rachin said speaking after winning the Player Of The Match against South Africa in the semi-final. New Zealand when faced India in the last group game where thumped 44 runs earlier in the tournament.
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