Special to play Test cricket in Bengaluru: Rachin Ravindra

Bengaluru: Rachin Ravindra isn’t as familiar with Bengaluru as he is with Wellington, but that sentiment is likely to fade quickly when he turns up at the M Chinnaswamy stadium for his first taste of Test cricket in the city of his ancestors.

Ravindra, whose extended family still resides in Bengaluru, has played a couple of One-Day Internationals at this venue and even showcased his skills for the Chennai Super Kings, but the 24-year-old expects Tests to be a different challenge.

“I guess it makes it extra significant just because of the family connection,” he said on Monday. “I'm born and brought up in Wellington, you know, I'm a Kiwi all the way through, so for me it's amazing and I'm very proud of my Indian heritage and to be able to play where a lot of my family is based is something pretty special.”

“There'll be a bunch of them in the crowd and I know Dad will be here watching, so those moments you pinch yourself on the journey... this is definitely one of them.”

Rachin did, however, say managing expectations will be the biggest challenge for him. “I guess managing the crowd and the expectations of the people because we know how passionate Indian people are about cricket. I think it's a different challenge entirely and it's something I'm really looking forward to,” he said.

Another aspect of the challenge which awaits New Zealand in the weeks to come is the kind of cricket India have been playing in recent times. They have adopted an adaptive strategy for a while, but of late, they seem to be a bit more gumptious about it.

“India have always been a quality side, and I guess the brand of cricket they play is very positive, especially in their own conditions. They know how to play, they've grown up on these wickets and their players, the way they've evolved over the last few years has been amazing, especially away," he said, 

“But as New Zealanders we don't necessarily try and look at the opposition too much, we know what a quality side they are and what they bring to the table, but I think if we're able to play our game and be consistent and put our best foot forward, hopefully, that will result in a win, who knows?"