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The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have come under fire from former cricketer Robin Uthappa for permitting Rachin Ravindra to train at their Chennai academy prior to the Test series against India. Notably, Ravindra trained at the CSK academy to become used to the Indian conditions before their one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Greater Noida.
The 24-year-old's move paid off amazingly as he played an incredible knock of 134 (157) in the first innings and an undefeated 39* in the second. He helped New Zealand chase down 107 to win the Test in Bengaluru. Ravindra won Player of the Match for his game-winning efforts, which helped New Zealand win their first Test match in India in 36 years.
Uthappa slams CSK
As he accepted his prize, Ravindra talked about how his Chennai preparations improved his batting. Uthappa recently blasted CSK for letting them practice in their academy, arguing that a boundary must be established since the nation comes before the franchise team.
"Rachin Ravindra came here and practiced at the CSK Academy. CSK is a beautiful franchise that will always look after its franchise players but a line has to be drawn where the interest of the country comes ahead of your franchise players, especially when he is a foreign player and comes and plays against our country," Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.
Uthappa, who was a member of CSK throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons, stated that although the team always goes above and beyond for its players, there should be a point at which a certain line should be drawn.
"I am not surprised that CSK always go over and above for their players but somewhere in that kindness, maybe I am not saying the right thing, I absolutely love CSK, but when it comes to the country, there should be a line somewhere where we do not cross that line," he added.
"On the basis of that preparation, Rachin Ravindra batted brilliantly. One of the best knocks by an overseas player. On that wicket, 134 off 157 balls, it was solid batting. He then showed that he is the future of New Zealand cricket," he concluded.
