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After whitewashing Bangladesh in the two-match Test series at home, India will now host New Zealand, the former World Test Championship (WTC) winners in a three-match Test series, starting Wednesday, October 16. However, the Test series will be of significant importance for both the sides, seeing the WTC cycle 2023-25.
Ahead of the first Test, which is set to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, New Zealand batter, Rachin Ravindra opened up on veteran Kiwi batter, Kane Williamson’s availability in the Test series. However, the batter has been named in the squad for the upcoming Test series despite a groin injury, which he sustained in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, but he did not travel with the side.
Some news will come out soon: Rachin Ravindra on Kane Williamson
Speaking ahead of the first Test in Bengaluru, the 24-year-old stressed that a call on Williamson’s availability will be taken soon. Although the prolific batter has been ruled out of the first Test, his participation in the second and third Test is yet to be decided. “We’re not sure. I guess he (Williamson) will play it by ear. Some news will come out soon enough,” Rachin Ravindra said at the press conference on Monday.
This Test is extra significant for me: Rachin Ravindra
The Kiwi batter claimed that the upcoming Bengaluru Test against India is of “extra significant” for him due to his family roots. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Bengaluru, Rachin Ravindra 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 through. (But) I’m very proud of my Indian heritage. To play where a lot of my family is based is something pretty special. There will be a bunch of them in the crowd. I know my dad will be here watching the game.”
The Kiwi batter also recalled the fond memories of playing at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru last time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Prior to that, Ravindra scored a century against Pakistan during the ODI World Cup 2023. “Yeah, it’s cool, I think. Obviously, when I was here last time, well I guess it was the IPL, and then before that it was the ODI World Cup. So, two pretty cool experiences to have, part of two very good teams and had those experiences,” he added.
