Rachin Ravindra has left the Indian Premier League (IPL) early to prepare for an upcoming tour in the United Kingdom. The all-rounder, who plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), made this decision to refresh himself before representing New Zealand.
Ravindra’s Early Departure from IPL
Ravindra expressed gratitude towards KKR for their understanding of his situation. Although he did not participate in matches during the IPL season, he appreciated the opportunity to train and refresh before heading to Ireland. He stated, “It’s a great little refresh. We spend so much time away from home, and even a few days at home is fantastic.”
Preparation for UK Tour
- Ravindra is preparing for an important series in England.
- He recently trained in Christchurch to improve his readiness.
- Experiences during IPL have contributed to his confidence.
Ravindra acknowledged that his time in the IPL was beneficial for his red-ball preparation. He emphasized the valuable conversations he had with experienced players like Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli during the league. These interactions have helped him gain insights into playing against strong teams like England and Australia.
New Zealand’s Pace Attack
New Zealand’s Test squad is noted for its formidable pace attack. Ravindra highlighted the return of key bowlers like Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry, which he believes will bolster the team’s performance. He stated, “We’ve got a serious pace battery, which I’m excited to face at the nets.”
Test Series Against Ireland and England
The upcoming series includes a one-off Test against Ireland from May 27 to May 30. Although Ireland has faced key player injuries, Ravindra warns against underestimating any opponent. He said, “You can’t necessarily take any team lightly as you’ve seen in world events of late.”
Following the match against Ireland, New Zealand will compete in three Tests against England. Ravindra seeks to give his best performance and help the team succeed during this crucial period.
