Rachin Ravindra is recovering from a forehead injury he suffered during a cricket match, where he was struck by a ball. Despite initial fears of serious harm, updates from the New Zealand camp have been positive, confirming he hasn’t experienced concussion or eye damage. While he participates in training, the team is cautious and follows strict protocols. New Zealand has adapted well to player absences, with Devon Conway excelling in Ravindra’s place. The team has displayed versatility in their recent games, winning in various ways and demonstrating resilience under pressure, showcasing their collective strength as a squad.
Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell deliver spin to him, showcasing Ravindra’s signature flair. He steps back, clearing his front leg to execute a magnificent lofted cover drive. When one is tossed up and slightly overpitched, he brilliantly unleashes an on-drive; for the nets, it easily sails over the boundary.
When Ravindra was first struck, there were concerns of a more severe injury. His legs gave way beneath him as he stared at the ground, dazed and bleeding heavily. He underwent extensive treatment while lying on the field, with a stretcher brought in, followed by warm and sympathetic applause as he was carefully escorted off the outfield.
However, each update from the New Zealand camp in the aftermath of the incident was increasingly optimistic. He had not suffered a concussion, had not lost consciousness, and there was no damage to his eyes, nose, or teeth. Kane Williamson referred to him as a “chirpy character,” and by New Zealand’s next match, his personality had largely returned to normal, though they opted to play it safe with him.
“Rachin will train tonight and we’ll get a better idea of how he’s doing,” Latham said just moments ago. “His recovery is progressing well, but we need to be cautious since it was a pretty nasty injury. With head injuries, it’s crucial to ensure everything is okay, so he’s going through the necessary protocols, and we’ll see how it goes.”
During the two weeks since their arrival in Pakistan, New Zealand has navigated such setbacks with resilience. This team is renowned for being greater than the sum of its individual parts. Devon Conway stepped in for Ravindra for the balance of the tri-series; he scored 97 and 48, helping secure the trophy. Meanwhile, Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears became unavailable, but it posed no issue as Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy stepped in seamlessly. Kyle Jamieson won’t be available tomorrow but is on his way as Ferguson’s replacement for the Champions Trophy, and New Zealand simply persists.
“It’s about adapting to the conditions and surfaces to the best of our ability,” Latham commented. “The surface we played on against Pakistan appeared slightly different compared to the one Pakistan played on against South Africa. We’ll evaluate today’s wicket, but our goal is to adapt as effectively as possible. Having played three matches and a warm-up here, the players are fairly familiar with the conditions, and it’s about executing our brand at an optimal level.”
New Zealand has utilized the past ten days not merely as a rehearsal but as a stage to display their capabilities. They secured one game by consolidating the top order and launching a flurry at the end. Against South Africa, they exhibited their prowess chasing down 304 with Kane Williamson steering the ship. In the final, their pace and spin attacks combined to suffocate Pakistan to a subpar total, leaving the outcome well in their control. They achieved victories in three matches each in a distinct manner with nearly every player stepping up.
“It’s pleasing to be performing well,” Latham remarked. “Throughout the tri-series and warm-up game, we’re fortunate that everyone in the squad has had opportunities with the ball or bat. It’s gratifying that we’ve navigated pressure in all three games and emerged triumphant. We’ve been successful while also managing to cope with that pressure, which bodes well for us moving forward.”
Now, as the spinners have completed their turn, Jacob Duffy and Will O’Rourke are in action. Ravindra stands back, safely away from the stumps. He lingers at the edge, watching closely, perhaps acclimating to the pace from that angle while avoid putting himself at risk. Before long, he exits the nets, thanking the bowlers before engaging in an extended conversation with Tim Southee, who is serving as an ICC ambassador in Pakistan, before vanishing into the dressing room.
He reappears half an hour later, helmet off and ball in hand, but using it for throwdowns instead of the typical left-arm orthodox. Conway, Williamson, and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen gather around him for another extensive discussion. Clearly, if New Zealand decides to include him, they want to ensure he is fully ready to take the field.
And if he isn’t, they’ve certainly demonstrated that they can manage perfectly well without him too.
Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000