![Why CSK should open with Ravindra [Source: iplt20.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1741172922855_WhyCSKshouldopenwithRavindra.jpg?type=mq)
Why CSK should open with Ravindra [Source: iplt20.com]
Rachin Ravindra is a superstar in the making and has already become a mainstay for the New Zealand side in such a short span of time. He announced his arrival with a record-breaking 2023 World Cup and has continued to pile on runs as the Kiwi batter has taken world cricket by storm.
His performance in the 2023 World Cup didn't go unnoticed as the all-rounder was bought in by CSK for the IPL 2024 season. The Yellow army released him after just one season, but they once again invested in the youngster and decided to showcase their trust in him.
His national teammate, Devon Conway is also in the same team (CSK) and both the batters will fight it out for the opening slot. Here is the reason we feel Ravindra will displace Conway and will become the undisputed opener for the upcoming season.
1) Ravindra has been in form of his life
Rachin Ravindra Vs Devon Conway (runs in CT)
| Criterion | Rachin Ravindra | Devon Conway |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 3 | 2 |
| Runs | 218 | 40 |
| Average | 109 | 20 |
| 50s/100s | 1/2 | 0/0 |
Rachin Ravindra missed the first game of the tournament due to an injury, but he came to life in the second match as he scored a brilliant hundred Vs Bangladesh in a tricky chase. He also scored a blistering fifty Vs South Africa in the semis as the Proteas bowlers looked clueless.
On the other hand, Conway played two matches and scored just 40 runs, at an average of 20, showcasing that he is out of touch on flat Pakistan wickets. Ravindra has been the man in form for the Kiwis and CSK would love to have him in the opening slot, so that he can capitalise on the momentum and deliver the goods for them in upcoming season.
2) Scored runs Vs India in testing conditions last year
Ravindra runs Vs India in 2024 Test series
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 3 |
| Runs | 256 |
| Average | 51.20 |
| 50s/100s | 1/1 |
Playing in India is always tough for any opposition batter, and Ravindra did that to perfection when he last played in India. The all-rounder played on testing pitches and came out with flying colours.
M A Chidambaram Stadium, where CSK plays its home game also possesses a challenge for batters and Ravindra, having already conquered Indian pitches on the previous tour, is likely to find it easy to score runs. In 3 matches on the previous tour, Ravindra slammed 256 runs, with a century as well. Conway, also did well in India during the IPL 2023 season, but if we take recency bias, then CSK will be looking at Ravindra as the future of their franchise.
3) 3 overseas slots already filled, CSK likely to go with in-form player
CSK have plethora of overseas options, and they are likely to go in with Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathira and Sam Curran as the three overseas picks.
The final pick will be between Conway and Ravindra and since the all-rounder has been in fine form and did well in the last tour of India, he is likely to be given the preference over Conway. Also, Ravindra can chip in with his left-arm slow bowling and that could come in handy in spin wickets of Chepauk.
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 "Anurag Dasgupta")
