"Great preparation": Rachin Ravindra ahead of the India vs New Zealand Tests

The New Zealand Tour of India will commence on October 16, with the first Test scheduled at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. New Zealand will need to pick themselves up from the setback of their recent series defeat in Sri Lanka. Hosting New Zealand for a two-match red-ball series, Sri Lanka swept the guests 2-0, handing them a defeat by an innings and 154 runs in the second Test. However, putting the ghosts of those losses behind them, New Zealand is ready to tackle India in the three-match Test series. Opener Rachin Ravindra has expressed that the Kiwis have acclimated to subcontinent conditions and will look to bank on their experience in an effort to curb India on its home ground.

Rachin Ravindra spills on the Kiwis' plans ahead of India vs New Zealand Test series

With New Zealand set to kick off their India Tour on Wednesday, Kiwi opener Rachin Ravindra opened up about their plans and preparations for the series. New Zealand was supposed to commence their Asia Tour with a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida. However, rain spoiled the party as the Test was called off. New Zealand then made their way to Sri Lanka to vie for a better position in the WTC standings. However, the team led by Tim Southee faced crushing defeats at the hands of the hosts, who now have a practical shot at the 2025 WTC Finals.

Coming to India, New Zealand will square off against the current toppers of the WTC Rankings. India recently completed a series whitewash against Bangladesh, where the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant starred with their performances. Rachin Ravindra, meanwhile, regards the spin all-round duo of Ashwin and Jadeja as the biggest threat New Zealand will face in the Test series.

“They’ve got consistent bowlers who bowl in an area for a long period of time. I mean, you see the two spinners who play consistently, Ashwin and Jadeja, they’re two very accomplished bowlers. You know, they can bat too, which makes it a little bit hard,” Ravindra said. “They’re consistent, they’re good to battle, especially in this part of the world. Obviously, we know how good India is in their own conditions, the quality of their bowlers and batters. It shows how hard it is for a team to come and win here. So, it’s difficult,” he added.

New Zealand toured India for the 2023 ODI World Cup before Rachin Ravindra played in the IPL 2024 for CSK. The opening batter, meanwhile, explained that while it was a different format, the learnings from playing will aid their Test campaign. Sri Lanka, though not yielding favorable results for the Kiwis, provided them a chance to get accustomed to the conditions.

“Although it is different formats, it gives you confidence that you can perform in this part of the world. I think it’s (Test cricket) a different challenge entirely, and it’s something I’m really looking forward to. As you’ve seen, those two tournaments (ODI WC and IPL) were amazing, the crowds and the passion and the hype and the buzz around them. So, I’m excited to have a full-fledged series here,” he noted.

New Zealand will come to India with Tom Latham leading the touring side. Tim Southee relinquished his Test captaincy following New Zealand’s loss to Sri Lanka. The move made way for the wicketkeeper to claim the leadership of the side. India, meanwhile, will play New Zealand with almost the same squad that handed a 2-0 defeat to a touring Bangladesh in September.