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New Zealand are on top in the first Test against India after bowling them out for a hapless 46 and then scoring 402 themselves. At the time of writing, India are 181/2 in the second innings, trailing the Kiwis by 175 runs in Bengaluru.
One of the most impressive things about New Zealand's batting in the first innings was the application that young Rachin Ravindra showed. The southpaw was keen on biding his time when the Indian bowlers were on top of their game.
However, the moment they started erring and providing him with loose deliveries, he pounced upon them and made merry. By the time he got out caught behind off Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra had amassed 134 runs from 157 deliveries.
With the mega IPL auction coming up later this year, this is a timely knock from Ravindra to remind his franchise Chennai Super Kings of his worth. Despite having had a moderate season in 2024, he will hope that he gets retained by them.
In this listicle, we take a look at three reasons why CSK must retain or use the Right to Match (RTM) option for Rachin Ravindra for IPL 2025.
#1 Rachin Ravindra can play spin extremely well
One of the main reasons why CSK should retain or RTM Ravindra is because he plays spin extremely well. This is quite a rare quality coming from an Antipode but he showed in Bengaluru how quickly he adapted to the challenges set forth to him by Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja.
Ravindra has all the shots in the book but is not hesitant to play with a straight bat when the need is to do that. His willingness to stay calm and patient at the crease and wait for the loose ball to come his way also makes him stand apart. Ravindra is also known to take responsibility well and deliver under pressure.
#2 He is a more than handy option with the ball
Ravindra is not a one-trick pony. Along with his batting, his left-arm spin can come in quite handy for skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in the IPL, especially on occasions when CSK are playing with just five regular bowlers.
Rachin Ravindra has a lot of variations up his sleeve although he has not been used quite regularly by the Kiwis in Test cricket. His accuracy is talked about as is his willingness to toss the ball up and lure batters to play false strokes.
Although he went wicketless in the two Tests in Sri Lanka before New Zealand toured India, Ravindra has taken 10 wickets in his nine-match career already. He also has a four-wicket haul in a match to his name, which promises a lot.
#3 His strike rate in IPL is impressive
Although Ravindra did not quite make it big in the 10 innings he played for CSK in IPL 2024, his strike rate of 160 holds him in good stead. Along with the qualities mentioned earlier, it is his strike rate that will endear him to the faithful in Chennai.
If he is asked to open the innings, the 24-year-old can take on the new ball and try to place it in gaps or lift it over the infield. On the other hand, if Rachin Ravindra is asked to bat in the middle-order, he can either play the anchor's role or dominate.
The Kiwi is known for adapting well to whichever situation or condition he is asked to play, and the same will hold true for him in the CSK camp as well. The franchise will look to back him a lot to get the best out of his potential.
