New Zealand handed defending champions England a stunning nine-wicket defeat in the opening fixture of the 2023 World Cup, chasing down a target of 283 within 37 overs. Ravindra and Devon Conway were stars of the show for New Zealand.

Both the southpaws scored unbeaten centuries. Ravindra remained not out on 123 and Conway on 152. Ravindra, who was named after Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, was asked in the post-match presentation about whether he has based his game around the two players he’s been named after.

“Rachin, I understand that you’ve been named after Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. So, are you sort of idolizing them or being a left-hander – Is there somebody that you’ve grown up watching and sort of copying his style?” was the question asked to Ravindra.

He replied that there has been obvious influence from both players in his game, but it is Tendulkar whom he has always idolized.

“Yeah, I think those two are pretty special cricketers,” said Ravindra. “Obviously, I’ve heard a lot of stories and watched a lot of footage and I guess the influence from my parents and my dad sort of and the old-school Indian cricketers was pretty cool.

“Being able to watch a lot of their highlights and stuff. Obviously, I idolized Sachin Tendulkar. I think a lot of people did. I think the way he batted and his technique was beautiful to watch.”

Ravindra also mentioned that he looked up to Brian Lara and Kumar Sangakkara, as fellow left-handers. However, he reiterated that it was Tendulkar whom he always idolized.

“I guess being lefty, there’s guys you look at,” Ravindra said. “I love Lara, I love Sangakkara, just the usual gun left-handers, but Tendulkar was definitely the idol.”

Ravindra’s stunning century on World Cup debut not only gave New Zealand a morale-boosting victory in their first game of the tournament, but has also given them a happy headachefor when Kane Williamson returns to the playing XI. Will Young is the designated opener, but he might have to make way for Williamson with Ravindra being pushed up to open if the latter continues in his rich vein of form.

New Zealand’s next game is against Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 9.