Rachin Ravindra was adjudged the Player of the Match for his magnificent performance in the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru. He scored 134 runs in the first innings, while his tally was 39 not out in the second essay. The all-rounder also shared a 137-run partnership with fast bowler Tim Southee (65), which put India out of the contest.

Ravindra was sure of the shots he wanted to play on the track at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. There was hardly an Indian pacer or spinner who managed to keep him quiet for a long time. His match-winning performance has a connection with Chennai.

He came to the city before the Test series against Sri Lanka and India in order to prepare for the five-day matches in the sub-continent. “Coming to Chennai helped me as I batted on the red and black soil pitches to get used to the conditions. The time I spent there played a role in my scoring. I want to thank all the guys over there for helping me prepare for the matches,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Rachin also credited the clarity of his role by the team management for his batting. “I was clear about the role and my batting order and it helped me in the middle. It is good to score runs in Bengaluru as I love the city and the crowd. It was nice to have my father and family members in the stand to watch my batting,” he added.