BENGALURU: Back in 2021, they were the first World Test Championship winners. One of the highlights of that 2019-21 cycle was New Zealand 's consistency. A trait which has been missing from the Black Caps' campaign this season.
In the current WTC cycle, which ends in June next year, New Zealand are placed sixth with three wins and five losses are already out of title contention.
While the New Zealand bowlers bowled extensively during their 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka recently, the batsmen have made heavy weather of every challenge, stumbling miserably against spin in particular. Hence, it is hardly surprising that New Zealand's young gun Rachin Ravindra stressed on the need to negate spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja .
"India have consistent bowlers who bowl in an area for a long period of time. You see the two spinners who play consistently -Ashwin and Jadeja-they are two very accomplished bowlers, and they can bat too," pointed out Rachin.
Outlining India's dominance at home, the all-round said, "They're consistent and good to battle, especially in this part of the world. Obviously, we know how good India are in their own conditions. It shows how hard it is for a team to come and win here. So, it's difficult," conceded Rachin.
In the build-up to the series New Zealand suffered a huge blow with Kane Williamson out of the initial part of the series. "We're not sure. I guess he (Williamson) will play it by ear. Some news will come out soon enough," is all Rachin had to offer on Williamson's availability.
Although born and raised in Wellington, Rachin shares a special relationship with Bengaluru-his parents' hometown.
On the 'home' Test, Rachin said, "This Test is extra significant for me because of the family connection. I was born and brought up in Wellington I'm a Kiwi all the way, but I'm very proud of my Indian heritage. To play where a lot of my family is based is something special. There will be a bunch of them in the crowd. I know my dad will be here watching the game."
In the current WTC cycle, which ends in June next year, New Zealand are placed sixth with three wins and five losses are already out of title contention.
While the New Zealand bowlers bowled extensively during their 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka recently, the batsmen have made heavy weather of every challenge, stumbling miserably against spin in particular. Hence, it is hardly surprising that New Zealand's young gun Rachin Ravindra stressed on the need to negate spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja .
"India have consistent bowlers who bowl in an area for a long period of time. You see the two spinners who play consistently -Ashwin and Jadeja-they are two very accomplished bowlers, and they can bat too," pointed out Rachin.
Outlining India's dominance at home, the all-round said, "They're consistent and good to battle, especially in this part of the world. Obviously, we know how good India are in their own conditions. It shows how hard it is for a team to come and win here. So, it's difficult," conceded Rachin.
In the build-up to the series New Zealand suffered a huge blow with Kane Williamson out of the initial part of the series. "We're not sure. I guess he (Williamson) will play it by ear. Some news will come out soon enough," is all Rachin had to offer on Williamson's availability.
Although born and raised in Wellington, Rachin shares a special relationship with Bengaluru-his parents' hometown.
On the 'home' Test, Rachin said, "This Test is extra significant for me because of the family connection. I was born and brought up in Wellington I'm a Kiwi all the way, but I'm very proud of my Indian heritage. To play where a lot of my family is based is something special. There will be a bunch of them in the crowd. I know my dad will be here watching the game."
Test cricket + family 🏏
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 14, 2024
Hear from Rachin Ravindra on the opportunity to play Test cricket in India and the extra special family connection he has in Bengaluru 🏏#INDvNZ #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/4Tvf5ByN2i
You may also like
'Never give up': UAE women share stories of strength, healing
Kashi residents express gratitude to PM Modi for approval of new rail-road bridge
Zakir Naik a fugitive, plea should not be entertained: Maha govt to SC
Erik ten Hag left sweating ahead of Man Utd vs Brentford as injury list hits double figures
Nagas need to be united, live in peace for development of Nagaland: CM Neiphiu Rio
If there's a party in the evening, follow these tips for a rose-like glowing face
Tipping Point fans slam player for worst game play ever after blowing huge lead
Striker who missed AFCON over gender row nominated for BBC Women's Footballer of the Year
West Bengal: Woman's half-charred body found in Nadia, one held
Seven of family killed in car accident in Telangana's Medak; CM expresses grief
Spain reach Nations League quarters, Ronaldo's Portugal held by Scotland
Is Sabrina Carpenter cursing sports teams? Why the singer seems to be a bad luck charm!
Daniel Levy agrees to meeting as Tottenham fans given hope on 'misguided' ticket price plan
National Lottery winner urged to come forward with winning £3.6million Set for Life ticket
Odisha Police busts fake call centre in Bhubaneswar, six held
Prince William issues defiant message to critics as he's quizzed in new ITV documentary
Renukaswamy murder case: Actor Darshan submits plea in Karnataka HC seeking bail
Keir Starmer has given huge clue on what fishing rights he'd give away to EU
Brexit fishing betrayal is even worse than it already seems for this simple reason
Thomas Tuchel's awkward meeting with England star as German is announced