Rachin Ravindra, the young New Zealand all-rounder of Indian descent, has secured his first central contract following a standout year, highlighted by his impressive performances in the ODI World Cup, where he amassed significant runs.
At 24 years old, Ravindra is among the 20 cricketers awarded contracts for the upcoming 2024-25 season, marking a breakthrough year where he finished as the fourth highest run-scorer with 578 runs. His impactful season also saw him make his IPL debut with the Chennai Super Kings after being acquired for Rs 1.8 crore.
The talented top-order batsman’s achievements were recognised earlier this year when he was named the ICC Emerging Player of the Year for 2023. Additionally, in March, he became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal.
Hailing from Bengaluru, where his grandparents reside, Ravindra expressed his joy at receiving his first central contract, describing it as a lifelong dream realized. “Growing up, you’d see those contract lists come out each year and think it would be cool to be on that list one day – and for it to eventuate now is a pinch-myself moment,” he shared with New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Reflecting on his international journey over the past year, Ravindra asserted on his commitment to continuous improvement and contributing to the Blackcaps. “It’s been a really cool past 12 months playing international cricket. I’ve learned a lot and the hunger is definitely there to keep improving and giving to the Blackcaps. It’s such a special group to be in, from players to support staff – and that’s been the most enjoyable part, to be honest,” he added.
In addition to Ravindra, NZC has included three new faces – Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Jacob Duffy – in the list of contracted players for the upcoming season.
“Playing a game you love with your mates for a living is something very special, and I hold it close to my heart,” Ravindra reflected.
Ravindra boasts 519 runs in seven Tests, including a century, and has scored three centuries in 25 ODIs.
Ben Sears, who shared the field with Ravindra at the 2016 ICC Under-19 World Cup, made appearances in 11 T20Is for New Zealand during the 2023-24 season, securing 13 wickets at an average of 22.
Sears was also a reserve in the New Zealand squad for the recently concluded T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and the USA.
Pacer Will O’Rourke, who made his international debut across all formats in the past year, has participated in three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests. Meanwhile, 29-year-old right-arm quick Jacob Duffy has featured in 14 T20Is and six ODIs for New Zealand and was recently part of the drawn T20I series against Pakistan in April.
The complete list of players offered central contracts for the 2024-25 season includes Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, and Will Young.
