New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra shared his father’s text message after the historic 3-0 Test series whitewash against India on Sunday, November 3. His father texted him, “so proud of you,” which Ravindra noted doesn’t happen often.
The Kiwis shocked India by completing the series sweep in just three days at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel dominated with 11 wickets across both innings, dismissing India for 121 while they chased a target of 147.
Speaking on SENZ’s ‘Scotty & Izzy’ podcast, Ravindra reflected on his parents’ hard work in supporting his cricketing journey, emphasizing that he never takes their efforts for granted.
“I haven’t heard my dad say to me, ‘so proud of you’ often in my life, so it was nice to get that message when we won. Obviously I’m just very grateful for everyone in my inner circle.”
“I was making him get up and he’d come and throw balls for me two hours before school. Mum getting me ready every day for school, training and games – that unconditional love, which I’ll never forget. That’s stuff I’ll never take for granted,” he said.
The left-handed batter played a key role in helping New Zealand achieve a draw in Kanpur during their 2021 tour of India. In this year’s series, he was the top run-scorer for the Kiwis, amassing 256 runs with a high score of 134.
“I believe it’s an experience unlike anything I’ve had before”- Rachin Ravindra discusses New Zealand’s whitewash of India
The 24-year-old noted that the celebrations in Mumbai escalated significantly after winning the final Test, and he found it difficult to express just how special the moment was. He continued in the same interview:
“It was unbelievable. On the field, it was a different feeling. I think it’s nothing like I’ve quite experienced before. Just seeing everyone’s elation, running towards each other. Ajaz’s sixth wicket, and being in Mumbai and seeing all the boys together in a huddle jumping around. It’s hard to quite quantify, but it’s pretty special.”
The Black Caps will next play England in a three-Test series at home.
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