World Cup 2023 NZ vs SL: Kane Williamson hails Rachin Ravindra

The veteran batsman and skipper of New Zealand, Kane Williamson hailed young talent Rachin Ravindra ahead of their clash against Sri Lanka in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The start Kiwi batter said that he is one of the best batters in the ongoing tournament. 

Incredible Rachin Ravindra

The left-handed batter emerged as the savior of New Zealand on several occasions and is considered an important part of their team's success in the tournament. Several veteran and former cricketers also termed Rachin as the star in the making.

The 23-year-old has smashed 523 runs and scored three hundred with an average of 74.71. He is also the third-highest run-getter in the ongoing World Cup.

Historic.

Rachin Ravindra is the youngest player to score 500 runs on his World Cup debut. pic.twitter.com/qoBf46cHfQ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 4, 2023

On the eve of the highly anticipated clash that could potentially decide New Zealand's fate for qualifying for the semi-final, Williamson praised the youngster for his overall show not only with the bat but with the ball as well.

In the pre-match press conference, the New Zealand skipper said, "Yeah. Incredible. Look, clearly an amazing talent and sort of just entered the side and in the international arena and to walk into a World Cup and not just any World Cup but here in India and in a lot of ways come into a role that perhaps when he's had exposure in our team, he hasn't played in that opening sort of top three, top order spot and does what he's done is amazing. We sort of knew the talent was there, but to come out and repeat and be one of the players of the tournament so far, not only with the bat, but he's also making really valuable contributions with the ball. Yeah, very, very special player, and great that he's on our side".  

Kane Williamson said "We can’t control weather, our focus is on cricket". #NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/2YgbHTAYj6

— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) November 8, 2023

However, Williamson's man faced four consecutive defeats, despite having a good start in the tournament. 

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.

Sri Lanka Squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Angelo Mathews, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushan Hemantha, Chamika Karunaratne.