Cricket-New Zealand's Ravindra keen to play against India in dead rubber


FILE PHOTO: Cricket - ICC Men's Champions Trophy - Group A - New Zealand v Bangladesh - Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan - February 24, 2025 New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra in action REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo

(Reuters) - Rachin Ravindra has no desire to sit out New Zealand's dead rubber against India after returning to the side with a rousing century against Bangladesh at the Champions Trophy.

With New Zealand already qualified for the semi-finals, selectors have the luxury of resting players for the final group match against India in Dubai on Sunday.

Batsman Ravindra sat out the Black Caps' opener against Pakistan while recovering from a blow to the head and does not want to miss another match at the ICC tournament.

"Conversations haven't really been had around that. But in a tournament like this, I guess you want to play as many games as you can," the 25-year-old lefthander told reporters on Wednesday.

"And the nature of my injury before is meaning I've missed some games.

"So I'll do whatever the team wants but I'd be keen to get out there and hopefully do my thing."

Ravindra's preparations for the tournament were disrupted when he was struck on the head by the ball in a fielding mishap, forcing him to go through concussion protocols.

He scored 112 against Bangladesh on his return to the team batting at number four in place of Daryl Mitchell, who was ruled out due to illness.

Ravindra said all-rounder Mitchell was "definitely progressing well" on his way back to full health and the team were glad to have a couple of rest days.

Come game day against India, though, players would be raring to go for the dead rubber.

"I guess you don't really want to take games for granted ever," he said.

"I think we can treat it like a game in an international tournament, right?

"So there's still a lot to play for, the first spot in the semi-finals."

(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Cricket

Cricket-India skipper Suryakumar backs opener Sharma despite three ducks in T20 World Cup
Cricket-Australia exit T20 World Cup with consolation win over Oman
Cricket-South Africa select five uncapped players for T20 tour to New Zealand
Cricket-Trott unsure of future but England coaching role appeals
Cricket-Australia coach defends World Cup planning, puts blame on players
Cricket-Afghanistan say farewell to coach Trott with T20 World Cup win over Canada
Cricket-Zimbabwe humble Sri Lanka ahead of Super Eights in T20 World Cup
Cricket-India's Kaur becomes highest-capped woman in international cricket
Cricket-West Indies finish group stage unbeaten after easing past Italy
Cricket-Sri Lanka's injury woes deepen as Pathirana ruled out of T20 World Cup

Others Also Read