Rachin Ravindra, recovering from a forehead injury sustained during a tri-series match, is being cautiously monitored by New Zealand’s cricket team. Despite initial fears of severe damage, updates revealed no concussions or lasting injuries. While he trains with the team, adapting to different playing conditions, Devon Conway replaced him and excelled in performance, contributing to the team’s success. New Zealand has shown resilience by winning three games in varied styles, demonstrating their ability to adapt seamlessly to challenges. Ravindra’s return will only happen once he’s fully cleared, but the team is confident in their depth and capabilities.
As Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell spin the ball to him, Ravindra’s characteristic flair is clearly evident. He steps back and clears his front leg, executing an exquisite lofted cover drive. When one delivery is floated and overpitched, he strikes an on-drive; in the nets, it effortlessly sails over the boundary.
Initially, there were concerns about the severity of the injury when Ravindra was struck. He collapsed to the ground, dazed and bleeding heavily. He received prolonged medical attention while lying on the field, and warm, sympathetic applause echoed as he was carefully assisted off the ground.
However, with each update from the New Zealand camp post-incident, the news grew more positive. He had not suffered a concussion, did not lose consciousness, and there was no harm to his eyes, nose, or teeth. Kane Williamson described him as a “chirpy character,” and by the time of New Zealand’s next game, his demeanor had largely returned to normal, although they were cautious about rushing him back too soon.
“Rachin will train tonight and we’ll get a better indication of how he’s doing,” Latham mentioned just moments ago. “His recovery is progressing well, but we need to be cautious given the severity of the injury. With head injuries, it’s crucial to ensure everything is fine, so he’s following the necessary protocols, and we’ll see how it goes.”
During the two weeks since New Zealand arrived in Pakistan, they have adeptly navigated such challenges. This is a team that, famously, is greater than the individual talents within it. Devon Conway stepped in for Ravindra for the rest of the tri-series and scored 97 and 48 in the title win. Even with Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears unavailable, Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy filled in effortlessly. Kyle Jamieson won’t be playing tomorrow but is en route as Ferguson’s replacement for the Champions Trophy, and New Zealand continues to advance smoothly.
“It’s about adjusting to the conditions and surfaces as effectively as we can,” Latham remarked. “The pitch we played on against Pakistan appeared slightly different from the one they played on against South Africa. We’ll assess the wicket today, but it’s about adapting as best as possible. Having played three games and a warm-up match here, the guys are quite familiar with the conditions, and it’s all about executing our game plan to the best of our abilities.”
New Zealand has effectively treated the past ten days not as mere practice but as an opportunity to exhibit their skills. They secured a victory by consolidating their top order and then unleashing at the end. In the clash against South Africa, they showcased their talent in chasing down a target of 304, with Williamson leading a seamless chase. In the final, a combination of pace and spin bowled Pakistan out for an underwhelming total, with the outcome never in doubt. They achieved three victories through distinct strategies, with nearly everyone taking their turn to shine.
“It’s great to be performing,” Latham shared. “Throughout the tri-series and the warm-up game, we’ve been fortunate that every member of the squad has had some time to bat or bowl. It’s gratifying that we’ve played well throughout the tri-series. We faced pressure in all three matches, and we managed to handle it, coming out on top. We’ve achieved the results, but it’s also rewarding that we were able to handle that pressure, which will hopefully serve us well moving forward.”
Now, the spinners have had their turn, and Jacob Duffy and Will O’Rourke are taking the stage. Ravindra stands back, keeping a safe distance from the stumps. He lingers at the edge, watching closely, perhaps acclimatizing himself to the pace from that position without risking any injury. After a brief period, he emerges from the nets, thanking the net bowlers before engaging in a lengthy discussion with Tim Southee, present in Pakistan as an ICC ambassador, prior to stepping into the dressing room.
Half an hour later, he reappears, helmet removed and ball in hand, yet only uses it for throwdowns rather than the typical left-arm orthodox. Conway, Williamson, and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen gather around him for another prolonged discussion. Clearly, if New Zealand intends to field him, they want to ensure he’s completely fit to play.
And should they decide against it, they’ve demonstrated that they can manage just fine without him.
Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000