Star New Zealand player Rachin Ravindra has said that the Bengaluru Test against India will be extra significant for him because of his roots. Rachin Ravindra, who has become a key player for New Zealand since his debut, has his roots in Bengaluru, with his parents Ravi Krishnamurthy and Deepa hailing from the city and his grandparents staying here as well.

Speaking to the media, as quoted by PTI, before the first Test of the series, he said that he is expecting his family members to be part of the crowd with his father making the journey from Wellington as well. He also said that such moments are when he would pinch himself on his journey in cricket as well.

Proud of my Indian heritage, says Rachin Ravindra

“It’s something different about playing a Test match. You’re here for five days and it’s a tradition, you know, Test cricket’s the pinnacle. I guess it makes it extra significant because of the family connection,” said Ravindra. “There’ll be a bunch of them in the crowd and I know Dad will be here watching. So those moments, you know, you pinch yourself on the journey and for this it’s definitely one.”

Rachin Ravindra also said that he is very proud of his Indian heritage and playing in front of his family is also special for him as well.

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“I’m born and brought up in Wellington, you know, I’m a Kiwi all the way through. So, for me it’s amazing and I’m very proud of my Indian heritage and to be able to play where a lot of my family is based is something pretty special,” he again added.

Rachin Ravindra smashed a hundred against Pakistan at the Chinnaswamy

The talented New Zealand player has fond memories of playing at the Chinnaswamy, as he scored a stunning hundred against Pakistan during the ODI World Cup as well. He had also represented Chennai Super Kings in the IPL against RCB as well.

“Yeah, it’s cool, I think. Obviously, when I was here last time, well I guess it was the IPL, and then before that it was the ODI World Cup. So, two pretty cool experiences to have, part of two very good teams and had those experiences,” he added.

The first Test between India and New Zealand will begin on October 16.