All eyes will be on Rachin Ravindra in the ICC Champions Trophy final when his team New Zealand takes on India.
Rachin has quickly built a reputation as a player for the big stage, consistently delivering in ICC tournaments. Now, the 25-year-old has got a chance to prove his mettle once again.
Rachin first announced himself in ICC events during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where he stunned the cricketing world with a brilliant century in his very first innings of the tournament.
Coming in after Will Young was dismissed for a golden duck against England, he played a match-winning knock of 123 not-out off 96 balls, leading New Zealand to a nine-wicket victory.
That was just the beginning.
Rachin went on to score two more centuries in the World Cup, finishing with an average of 64.
Now, in the Champions Trophy, he has carried that form forward, amassing 251 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 106, including a crucial 108 off 101 balls in the semi-final against South Africa.
His consistency in ICC tournaments is remarkable, averaging 63.76 with the bat while striking at a rapid pace.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who spent nearly two hours at the crease with Rachin in the semi-final, praised the young star’s ability to perform under pressure.
“It's always great to bat with him,” Williamson said to the ICC. “He puts the team first and plays with freedom. He’s so gifted, really confident, and clear about what he wants to do. We've seen him shine in big tournaments before, and he’s done it again here.”
India, New Zealand’s opponent in the final, is well aware of the threat Rachin poses. Top-ranked ODI batter Shubman Gill said his rival’s potential impact.
“He's a very dangerous batter at the top, and we’ll try to get his wicket early. If we can do that, we’ll be in the game,” Shubman said to ICC.
With New Zealand aiming to end a 25-year drought in ICC white-ball tournaments, Rachin’s role becomes even more vital.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives his team an edge, especially on a Dubai pitch that has favored bowlers throughout the tournament.
The stakes are high, and the pressure is immense. But for Rachin, the biggest moments seem to bring out his best. His batting display will be crucial factor for New Zealand in the final.