‘Whistle Podu!’ - Rachin Ravindra’s Message For CSK Fans After IPL 2024 Auction Windfall
Rachin Ravindra at the 2023 World Cup (AP)
New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was roped in by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the IPL 2024 auction, off the back of his splendid run at the 2023 World Cup. The cricketer was sold to the franchise for a staggering sum of Rs. 1.80 crores, i.e., nearly four times his base value of Rs. 50 lakhs.
After his IPL windfall, Rachin shared a heartfelt message for CSK fans, and expressed his excitement of joining the franchise alongside his fellow New Zealand teammates and Indian cricket legends MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.
Rachin Ravindra shares heartfelt message for CSK fans
Rachin Ravindra, currently in New Zealand for a white-ball home series against Bangladesh, shared a special message for CSK fans after he was roped in by the franchise at the IPL 2024 auction on December 19. The star all-rounder stated that he is excited to don CSK’s iconic yellow jersey and is hoping to play some good cricket for the fans next year. He said:
“To the CSK fans, putting on the yellow jersey, it will be an amazing tournament and an amazing experience. Hopefully we will entertain you guys by playing good cricket and hopefully results will come. Whistle Podu!”
Rachin Ravindra also expressed his gratitude for joining a storied franchise like CSK in his maiden IPL stint itself, and he is excited to join the camp next year alongside some of his New Zealand teammates like Mitchell Santner, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell.
He claimed that he has already spoken to some New Zealand cricketers who have previously participated in IPL, and is eager to experience the tournament’s intensity in front of packed crowds. Ravindra added:
“Its an absolute privilege to be part of such a storied franchise in the IPL. Also, really excited to be part of the IPL for the first time, obviously talked a lot with a lot of the Kiwi boys who have been involved. In terms of intensity, the crowd, the fanfare and all that hypes it around is all really special so I’m really excited to experience it all. Very lucky and very privilege to play in the same team as Mitchell Santner and Devon Conway, two of my close teammates in the New Zealand team, and just saw Daryl Mitchell being picked up by CSK too.”
Rachin Ravindra further acknowledged the presence of Indian greats MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja as well as fellow national Stephen Fleming as head coach of the franchise.
“I’m really privileged to play alongside not just them, but also with the greats of the game like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja and I am just extremely grateful to be involved in such an amazing franchise. Obviously, Stephen Fleming being coach adds to the Kiwi connection.”
Rachin Ravindra, at the age of 24, scored 578 runs in the recently-concluded World Cup 2023 to emerge as one of the leading run-getters of the competition. The elegant left-handed batter entered the tournament with just a handful of ODIs in his profile, considering he made his debut in the format earlier this year itself.
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