New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra admitted it felt “surreal” to listen to his identify being chanted by Indian followers throughout Thursday’s World Cup win over Sri Lanka. However, the 23-year-old should not be too stunned because the southern metropolis was as soon as residence to his dad and mom earlier than they moved to New Zealand. Ravindra, one of many breakout stars of the World Cup, gave followers loads to shout about as he made 42 in his crew’s five-wicket win which has nearly assured New Zealand a spot within the semi-finals.

“It’s a pretty surreal feeling,” Ravindra informed Star Sports.

“I am grateful for the support, especially playing in Bangalore. The crowd chanting my name is something I will never take for granted.

“I dreamt of it as a baby. I really feel very completely satisfied to be right here, fortunate sufficient it labored out.”

With a primary identify reflecting his father’s love of the sport — ‘Ra’ from Rahul Dravid and ‘chin’ from Sachin Tendulkar — Ravindra has shown no sign of suffering any burden carrying the names of two of India’s most famous cricketing sons.

He has three centuries at this World Cup and a tournament-leading 565 runs from nine innings at an average of a shade over 70.

“Six to 12 months in the past, I wasn’t even within the body,” he admitted.

He almost didn’t get his opportunity at the World Cup, only named in the starting line-up when skipper Kane Williamson needed more time to recover from a knee injury.

“It’s a humorous one. I’ve idolised Kane. I’ve idolised loads like Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root.

“But Kane, his leadership, on and off the field, just keeps it calm.”

India is proving a memorable place for Ravindra to go to.

In 2021, on the second Test in Mumbai, he held the catch that allowed teammate Ajaz Patel to turn out to be simply the third bowler in historical past to take all 10 wickets in an innings.

It would have helped ease the bruising 372-run loss the Kiwis suffered.

“It was a nervy moment in my career. Lucky to have taken the catch,” he stated.

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