“So Proud Of You”: Rachin Ravindra reveals heartwarming message from father after Ton vs India

New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra revealed a rare text message he received from his father, expressing pride in the batsman’s achievements after the Black Caps secured a “special” Test series win in his parents’ hometown. New Zealand wrapped up a memorable tour of India, becoming the first team in history to register a 3-0 Test Series sweep against the Asian giants in their own backyard. The 24-year-old, who was the star of the first Test, was born and raised in Wellington but his family roots are firmly rooted in Bengaluru.

“I haven’t heard my father say ‘so proud of you’ many times in my life, so it was nice to get that message when we won,” Ravindra said on Sen Radio.

Stylish left-handed parents Ravi Krishnamurthy and Deepa hail from Bengaluru, while his grandparents T. Balakrishna Adiga, a renowned educationist, and Poornima still reside in the Indian city.

He revealed that his father was present to witness first-hand Ravindra’s match-winning performances in Bengaluru, where he scored a century and an unbeaten 39 in his two innings, helping to seal New Zealand’s victory by eight wickets in the series opener yielded.

‘I let Dad watch the first Test in Bangalore in his home town, which was fun, and I’m sure Mom bit her nails in front of the TV and didn’t move an inch on the way home.

“It’s very special and to be able to do it in (my parents’) home country is amazing,” Ravindra admitted.

“While I have always maintained that I am 100 per cent Kiwi born and bred, it is nice to get that reminder every now and then,” he added.

Ravindra finished the series as New Zealand’s leading run-getter, amassing 256 runs at an average of 51.20.

It was his father’s passion for the game that inspired a young Ravindra to take up cricket and woke him up at 5 am every day for throwdowns in the driveway.

“Obviously, I’m very grateful to everyone in my inner circle. I stood him up and he came and threw balls for me two hours before school.

“My mother prepares me every day for school, training and competitions – that unconditional love, which I will never forget. These are things I will never take for granted.” New Zealand ended India’s 12-year unbeaten home run in Tests by winning the first two matches. It is also their first ever series win in India since they started touring the country under the leadership of Harry Cave in 1955-56.

The Black Caps also made history by becoming the first team to register a 3-0 win in India, winning the third Test by 25 runs in Mumbai on Sunday.

“It was incredible. On the field it was a different feeling. I don’t think it’s anything I’ve experienced before.

“Just seeing everyone’s elation, running towards each other. Ajaz’s sixth wicket, and being in Mumbai and seeing all the boys jumping around together in a group.

“It’s hard to fully quantify it, but it’s pretty special,” Ravindra said.

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