As New Zealand prepares for one of the most formidable challenges in Test cricket, they find themselves deprived of a practice game prior to their first Test in Bengaluru. Despite this setback, there is a glimmer of hope offered by their recent exposure to subcontinent conditions during a Test series in Sri Lanka. Although they faced defeat in that series, Rachin Ravindra remains optimistic that the experience gained could serve as a valuable asset for the upcoming three-Test series in India.
In a recent press conference, Ravindra expressed his views on the unique opportunity this presents for the New Zealand cricket team. “Yeah, definitely, obviously not being able to play in Noida [against Afghanistan] was a bit disappointing; it would have been a good little build-up. But I think it’s not often a New Zealand team has had the opportunity to have six subcontinent tests in a row. This is an extraordinary chance not only to record victories but more importantly, to garner experience and improve as players and as a team.”
Ravindra highlighted the intrinsic challenges of playing in the subcontinent, where conditions tend to be spin-friendly and pitches behave differently compared to those in New Zealand. He further noted, “Obviously Sri Lanka and India are different places, different surfaces, but similar in terms of the amount of spin you might play. Sri Lanka are a quality side, especially in their own conditions, and they’ve shown that. They’re up there in the World Test Championship ranking, so for us, it was a great Test series where we learned a lot. Now, it’s mostly about seeing how we can play our game and how we can bring that here to India.”
Elaborating on the adaptability needed in different playing conditions, Ravindra emphasized the necessity for individual players to trust their strategies while working cohesively as a team. “I guess it’s being true to yourself as a player. We’ve got some quality players in our set-up; we’ve got Kane [Williamson], Tom Latham, Dev [Devon Conway], Daryl [Mitchell]. Each player approaches the game differently. The key is for each of us to excel in our capacity and not feel compelled to replicate others’ methods,” he explained.
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During the ODI World Cup in India last year, Ravindra employed distinct strategies that not only enhanced his performance but also attracted the attention of the Chennai Super Kings, resulting in an IPL contract. Yet, this series will mark his initial encounter with red-ball cricket at this level. He expressed both excitement and cautious optimism about the challenges that lie ahead. “Although it is different formats, it gives you confidence that you can perform in this part of the world. It’s crucial to manage the expectations of the enthusiastic Indian crowds because they are incredibly passionate about cricket. Successfully navigating these interests in limited-overs matches gives hope for success in a Test series.”
India’s formidable record at home, having been unbeaten in a Test series for more than 12 years, presents a daunting challenge acknowledged by Ravindra. He expressed hope that New Zealand, equipped with their recent experiences, would offer strong competition. “We know well how formidable India is in their homeland. Their bowlers and batters have a deep understanding of these conditions, showcasing how tough it is for a visiting team to secure a win here. The Indian spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja, are particularly consistent and versatile,” he noted.
Reflecting on the team’s preparations and coherence, Ravindra sounded confident. “We’ve been here a lot recently, accumulating valuable experience from Test matches. The team has grown together considerably, and we will attempt to consolidate this experience into a robust challenge.”
New Zealand’s forthcoming Test series against India, given the absence of a preparatory game and the history of India’s dominance at home, is poised to be a thrilling and educational venture. As Ravindra and his fellow cricketers prepare to face the Indian cricket team, they are girded with vital learnings from their recent subcontinental experiences, ready to take on this colossal challenge.