Rachin Ravindra fans the quintessential diaspora dilemma every time he clobbers a six during an India, New Zealand match. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a fresh migrant, there's something delightfully confusing about cheering on a guy who is splitting loyalties with every shot.
If Ravindra’s star wasn’t already shining bright, the year 2023 ensured it now burns like a supernova. Following his World Cup heroics last year, Ravindra didn’t just earn accolades but solidified his position as one of the most exciting prospects in world cricket.
After being named the ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year, Ravindra’s year got even sweeter when the Chennai Super Kings scooped him up for his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Blackcaps shooting star has now been named Kiwi Indian Young Achiever at the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Awards 2024–one of Aotearoa’s top honours for Indian diaspora organised by The Indian Weekender.
“I am very honoured and grateful to receive this prestigious award. It’s always great to be recognised,” Rachin says on winning the award.
“I am very proud of my Indian heritage and my Indian culture, knowing I was born and brought up in New Zealand. It’s great to have support from Indian people not just around the world but also in New Zealand. I am very grateful to have the backing of all you guys.”
In October last year, the 24-year-old from Wellington made an unforgettable World Cup debut with three centuries, accumulating 578 runs and setting a World Cup record.
He surpassed the previous record held by Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar for the most runs scored by a batter aged 25 or under at a World Cup.
"The World Cup was a very special experience and I'm very grateful," Ravindra says. He continued to perform well in all three formats for New Zealand after the World Cup, including a double test century against South Africa in Mount Maunganui.
Ravindra started playing cricket when he was young.
"I guess it sort of came from my parents, especially my dad," he says.
He started hitting cricket balls when he was six years old and used to take his dad, Ravi Krishnamurthy, to the nets every day. "All that training has helped me a lot now, sort of built my foundational game," Ravindra says.
Krishnamurthy, a software engineer by trade and cricket enthusiast by passion, moved to Wellington from India in 1997, and Rachin was born two years later.
By the time he could walk, Rachin was already rummaging through cricket gear bags, pulling out gloves, pads, and even his protective box with the excitement of a kid raiding a candy store. He took cricket seriously in school at the Hutt International Boys' School, starting to play in the first 11 in Year 9 and ending up playing club cricket in Years 12 and 13.
Ravindra found his way to the under-19 national team and was included in the ODI World Cup squads for 2016 and 2018. He scored his maiden first-class century at the 2020 Plunket Shield and was included in the New Zealand A side.
Ravindra's emergence in the Black Caps lineup continues an impressive legacy of Indian descent players leaving their mark on New Zealand cricket.
"It's a dream come true moment being able to share a locker room with Kane, Bolt and Southee," Ravindra says. "I've watched those guys on TV for a number of years and tried to be like them in the backyard."