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‘Like Rohit And...': Shastri’s Claim On NZ World Cup 2023 Move For Rachin Ravindra

image-lnd972a3Rachin Ravindra in action against England in 2023 World Cup (AP)

New Zealand opener Devon Conway went berserk from the outside in his side’s humungous run-chase quest against England in the opening match of the 2023 World Cup. Notably, the dynamic left-hander was assisted by none other than Rachin Ravindra at number three, who slapped an equally-rebellious half-century in the innings.

Ravindra, who made his ODI debut earlier this year, averaged just 23.62 with the bat prior to the tournament. Moreover, the spin-bowling all-rounder batted lower down the order across all his ODI appearances thus far. In a surprising move by the New Zealand team management, Ravindra was tasked to bat at number three in their colossal run-chase against the defending champions, after they had lost opener Will Young for a first-ball duck within the second over.

Ravi Shastri hails NZ World Cup 2023 ‘masterstroke’

On-air commentator Ravi Shastri hailed New Zealand team management’s decision of opting an unlikely candidate, Rachin Ravindra, to bat at number three in their colossal run-chase against England.

The former Indian cricketer claimed that New Zealand’s decision turned out to be a masterstroke, and compared the same with India promoting Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma at the top of the order during their respective careers. In a way, the Indian move revived the ODI careers of both Tendulkar and Sharma as they went on to register multiple batting records as top-order batters.

Witnessing Rachin Ravindra’s batting blitz first-hand in Ahmedabad, Ravi Shastri said this during commentary:

“This could be a masterstroke by New Zealand sending Rachin Ravindra at the Top Order just like India did with Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma.”

Rachin Ravindra in full flow against England at 2023 World Cup opener

Rachin Ravindra raced to his 50 off just 36 balls, and is inching closer to a terrific ton. Alongside Conway, he has steered New Zealand to a winning position.