Rachin Ravindra in action© AFP
Former Indian cricket team batsman Robin Uthappa criticized Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings for allowing New Zealand star Rachin Ravindra to practice at their academy ahead of the Test series against India. Ravindra emerged as the highest run-scorer for New Zealand as the visitors completed a 3-0 whitewash in the series. Ravindra was part of the CSK squad in IPL 2024 and the franchise allowed him to practice at their academy to get used to Indian conditions. Uthappa was highly critical of CSK's decision and said that when the interests of the country are at stake, a line has to be drawn by the teams.
“Rachin Ravindra came here and practiced at the CSK Academy. CSK is a wonderful franchise that will always look after its franchise players, but there has to be a line drawn where the country's interests come before those of your franchise players, especially if he is a foreign player and will come to play against our country,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.
“It doesn't surprise me that CSK always goes above and beyond for their players, but somewhere in that kindness, maybe I'm not saying the right thing, I absolutely love CSK, but when it comes to the country, there should be a line somewhere are where we don't cross that line,” he added.
Rachin Ravindra described his team's 3-0 win over India as something special that is difficult to fully quantify. New Zealand secured a historic Test series victory in India with a dramatic 25-run victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel took 6-57 as India were bowled out for 121 chasing 147, as New Zealand also became the first visiting side to complete a pioneering clean sweep in a three-Test series against India.
“It was incredible. On the field it was a different feeling. I don't think it's anything I've experienced before. Just seeing the elation of everyone, running towards each other. The sixth wicket of Ajaz, and being in Mumbai and all seeing boys jumping around together in a group. It's hard to fully quantify it, but it's quite special,” Ravindra said on SEN Radio.
(With IANS inputs)
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