New Zealand youngster Rachin Ravindra wins ICC Player of the Month award for October
New Zealand's 23-year-old all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been awarded the ICC Player of the Month for October 2023 on Friday. The youngster, who is breaking records in his debut ODI World Cup 2023, is the winner for the first time after being nominated.
Rachin Ravindra beat South African wicketkeeper and opener Quinton de Kock and Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to win the ICC Player of the Month award. Both de Kock and Bumrah were nominated for the award.
Rachin performed impressively in mid-October. He scored 406 runs at an average of 81.20 with 2 centuries in October. Along with this he also took 3 wickets. Moreover, Ravindra has made many records due to his performance in this World Cup, one of which is that he has left behind Jonny Bairstow in terms of scoring the most runs in his first World Cup season. Along with that, he also broke Sachin Tendulkar's record for scoring most runs in a World Cup season before the age of 25.
"I'm very grateful to win this award. It's been a special month personally and for the team. Being able to play a World Cup in India has been incredibly special. Being backed by the team helps a lot, being able to go out there with a lot of freedom, and play your natural game. The lucky thing is the wickets have been really nice to bat on, suits my game in terms of being positive and taking the game on."
Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra's journey in the tournament began with a bang when he scored a century against defending champions England in the opening game. This knock of 123 not out made him the youngest New Zealander to score a century in the ODI World Cup and only the fourth Kiwi to hit a ton on his World Cup debut. His century was also the fastest by any New Zealander in the World Cup, achieved in just 82 deliveries.
Ravindra's performance didn't stop there. He continued his excellent run with two more centuries against Australia and Pakistan, along with two half-centuries. His century against Australia was particularly impressive, with 116 runs scored from just 89 balls, showcasing an impressive strike rate of 130.34. Against Pakistan, he scored 108 runs off just 94 deliveries, helping New Zealand set their highest score at an ODI World Cup fixture.
Meanwhile, Hayley Matthews of West Indies, the top-ranked all-rounder in the women’s T20I rankings, secured her second Women’s ICC Player of the Month award. She led West Indies with scintillating performances in the T20I series against Australia, amassing 310 runs at an average of 155, with a standout unbeaten 132.
