Colin Munro is in doubts about New Zealand's star batting all-rounder Rachin Ravindra's prospects of securing a spot in the national team for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Munro cited Ravindra's limited exposure in the T20I format as a factor contributing to this uncertainty.
Rachin Ravindra debuted in T20Is for New Zealand against Bangladesh in 2021. However, his performance has been underwhelming, with only 146 runs scored across 17 innings, averaging 12.17 with a strike rate of 117.88. Despite his recent appearance against Pakistan, concerns linger over his suitability for the national team.
With just three T20I matches scheduled before the T20 World Cup, led by Kane Williamson, the opportunities for Ravindra to prove himself are limited. His participation in the upcoming IPL 2024 season with the Chennai Super Kings may serve as a platform for showcasing his abilities on a broader stage.
Colin Munro doesn't see Rachin Ravindra in NZ's T20 World Cup squad
Colin Munro noted that Rachin Ravindra's participation in T20Is has been limited, suggesting slim chances for him to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup squad, especially with competition from players like Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell. Munro stressed that Ravindra's eventual inclusion in the starting lineup would hinge on the passage of time and his performance.
“Tough one. Rachin has not played a lot of T20Is for the Kiwis. You got Michael Bracewell who along with Mitchell Santner is the top one and two spin bowling all-rounder. The wickets in the Caribbean are also going to spin. You also got Glenn Phillips, another spin-bowling all-rounder. So, not too sure about him being in playing XI. Time will tell,” Munro said, as quoted by Times of India.
Rachin Ravindra's run-spree in ODI World Cup 2023
The 24-year-old left-handed batsman left a lasting impression with his stellar performances in ODIs. He had a remarkable campaign at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he outshone some of the world's top bowlers, amassing 578 runs at an impressive average of 64.22, including three centuries.
Recognized for his outstanding talent, he was bestowed with the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year award for 2023, becoming the first New Zealander to receive this prestigious honor. Throughout the previous year, he demonstrated his prowess by scoring 911 runs and taking 23 wickets in international cricket.
Munro commended the valuable contributions of Azam Khan to the Desert Vipers during the ongoing ILT20 tournament. Munro stressed the significance of other batsmen, including himself, stepping up to compensate for Azam's absence and performing at their peak in the forthcoming matches.
“Azam has been great for us in this short period of time. We knew what we were getting when Azam came. But he is going back to Pakistan, not playing the next game. It is now time for other batters who have not stepped up to step up, myself included,” Munro added.
The Desert Vipers presently hold the fifth spot in the ILT20 standings, having accumulated six points from three victories in eight matches. Munro stressed the significance of performing well in the upcoming games to clinch a spot in the playoffs.
“Our destiny is in our hands, if we score here, nobody’s going to remember the previous games,” Munro emphasized, highlighting the team’s determination to perform well and secure a spot in the playoffs,” he concluded.
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