“Amazing to hear one’s name called out,” remarks Rachin Ravindra from New Zealand

Rachin Ravindra, a batter for New Zealand, said that hearing Indian supporters sing his name during India’s World Cup victory against Sri Lanka on Thursday seemed “surreal.”

The 23-year-old shouldn’t be too shocked, however, given his parents originally lived in the southern city before relocating to New Zealand.

One of the World Cup’s biggest surprises, Ravindra, hit 42 during his team’s five-wicket victory, which all but assured New Zealand a spot in the semi-finals.

“It feels a little strange,” Ravindra said to Star Sports.

“I appreciate the support, particularly for coming to Bangalore to perform. I shall always be grateful for the audience’s shout of my name.

“I used to dream about it. I’m glad to be here, and I’m fortunate that everything worked out.

With a first name derived from his father’s passion for cricket (‘Ra’ from Rahul Dravid and ‘chin’ from Sachin Tendulkar), Ravindra has not indicated that he feels burdened by the names of the two most well-known cricketing sons in India.

This World Cup, he has scored three hundreds and amassed the tournament-high 565 runs from nine innings at an average well over 70.

“I wasn’t even in the frame six or twelve months ago,” he said.

He was nearly left out of the World Cup action; he was only included in the starting lineup because Kane Williamson, the captain, required extra time to heal from a knee injury.

It’s rather humorous. I have made Kane my hero. I have a number of idols, including Joe Root, Steven Smith, and Virat Kohli.

“However, Kane’s leadership both on and off the field just maintains composure.”

Ravindra’s trip to India is turning out to be a memorable one.

He made the catch that made teammate Ajaz Patel the third bowler in history to capture all ten wickets in an innings in the second Test in Mumbai in 2021.

It would have taken some of the sting off of the Kiwis’ devastating 372-run defeat.

“In my career, it was a nervous time. Welcome to have accepted the catch,” he said.