IPL 2024: Rachin Ravindra, CSK's new enforcer at the top

IPL 2024: Rachin Ravindra, CSK's new enforcer at the top. Rachin Ravindra has scored 86 runs from two games at a strike rate of 237.14.

Rachin Ravindra has 86 runs from two games at 237 strike rate (Images: ©IPL/X)

The five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, embarked on their journey in the 17th edition of TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) with a sign of worry. Their opener and one of the most significant batters for the side, Devon Convoy, was declared unavailable for the first phase of the cash-rich league due to a thumb injury. However, his injury came as a blessing in disguise for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team. 

Young, energetic, a man to stay for long, New Zealand’s all-rounder Rachin Ravindra entered the playing 11 as a replacement and has not looked back since. It has been only two matches for CSK in this edition and Rachin has shown his prowess in batting, bowling, as well as fielding in both. 

Rachin Ravindra’s explosive IPL debut

CSK secured the services of Rachin Ravindra for a modest sum of 1.8 crore INR, who marked his IPL debut with an unforgettable performance. In the lung opener between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chepauk Stadium, Chennai, the defending champions emerged victorious by 6 wickets. While many players contributed to the win, Rachin's contribution of 37 runs in quick succession earned widespread acclaim. His strike rate of 246.66 set a record as the highest by a debutant in 17 IPL seasons (minimum 30 runs).

In the very next game, the 24-year-old all-rounder again showcased his prowess as a utility player. Rachin's explosive innings of 46 runs off 20 balls against Gujarat Titans laid a rock-solid foundation for CSK, complemented by his adept fielding with three catches, including that of RCB legend Virat Kohli and skipper Faf Du Plessis. CSK secured a commanding 63-run victory over GT, with Rachin maintaining an impressive strike rate of 230 and a boundary percentage of 45. 

Renowned former spinner Anil Kumble has also showered praise on Rachin for his stellar performances. Kumble highlighted the challenge of stepping into the shoes of a player like Devon Conway at the top of the batting order, emphasizing Rachin's commendable ability to handle both pace and spin.

Read More: Rachin Ravindra: The Indian origin guy whom New Zealand relies on

Rachin Ravindra scored hundred against Australia in CWC 2023 (Photo: ©Twitter/X)

Rachin Ravindra – Before IPL

Hailing from an Indian family based in Wellington, Rachin gained prominence as a potential asset for any franchise after a scintillating performance in the previous year's 50-over Men’s World Cup played in India. Once, not even considered to be in the playing 11, Rachin finished the marquee tournament as the fourth-highest run-scorer with 578 runs, which included three centuries. The young gun since then has captured the attention of cricketing scouts.

Despite entering the IPL with relatively modest T20 statistics – accumulating 673 runs in 48 innings at an average of 16.41 and a strike rate of 126.26 – Rachin altered perceptions on the inaugural night of IPL 2024, with a marquee performance with his strike rate approaching 250.

Known for his ability to make impactful debuts, Rachin Ravindra demonstrated his flair from an early age. At just 15 years old, he marked his first appearance for Wellington Under-19s with a century. His penchant for memorable first impressions continued on the opening day of the 2023 ODI World Cup. He unleashed an unbeaten 123 off 96 deliveries against England in Ahmedabad. This trend persisted with his dynamic performance on the first day of IPL action at Chepauk.

Read More: IPL 2024, CSK vs GT: Clinical CSK execute perfect job, demolish GT

A fruitful CSK dugout for the new recruit 

While none in the cricket fraternity have an inch of doubt on the capabilities of Rachin Ravindra as a complete package, the New Zealand all-rounder is currently experiencing one of the best dressing room environments with CSK.

Sharing the dressing room with the iconic MS Dhoni promises invaluable guidance for the young cricketer. Additionally, Rachin will surely benefit from the presence of Ravindra Jadeja, whose playing style mirrors his own, offering a lot of opportunities for mutual learning.

Mastering the art of winning is paramount in cricket, and few understand this better than the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Rachin, with his multifaceted skills in batting, bowling, and fielding, will be able to gain invaluable insights into achieving victory and leading his team to success.

The presence of coaching stalwarts such as Mike Hussey as the batting coach, Dwayne Bravo as the bowling coach, and Stephen Flemming as the head coach is poised to be instrumental in Rachin's holistic development as a player. Under their tutelage, Rachin Ravindra is set to evolve into a complete and more formidable cricketer.

Read More: IPL 2024, CSK vs RCB: Pain points that afflicted RCB in opening match