New Zealand has had the opportunity to have six subcontinent Tests in a row: Rachin Ravindra

India are all set to kick off a three-match Test series against New Zealand on October 16 as the opening clash takes place at iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. While India are coming into the series on the back of a dominant whitewash against Bangladesh, the Kiwis will come to the series on the back of a dreadful showing against Sri Lanka. Ahead of the series, visitors’ young star Rachin Ravindra opened up on how playing in India would look different to Lanka.

Ravindra added how it is an amazing opportunity for him to not just record wins but gain and improve as a player in subcontinent conditions. Ravindra, who has been part of nine Tests for Kiwis, has 672 runs to his name while averaging almost 40. His role would be crucial for the team in the impeding Test series.

“Yeah, definitely, obviously not being able to play in Noida [against Afghanistan] was a bit disappointing, it would have been a good little build-up. But I think it's not often a New Zealand team has had the opportunity to have six subcontinent Tests in a row. It's an amazing opportunity to not just record wins, but also gain experience and improve as a player and as a group,” Rachin Ravindra said in the press conference ahead of India Tests.

The 24-year-old also spoke on how playing in India and Sri Lanka would be different but the spin-friendly nature of pitches in both countries could prove to be of some help to him. New Zealand play the second and third Test of the series in Pune and Mumbai, respectively after setting off the proceedings in Bengaluru.

“Obviously Sri Lanka and India are different places, with different surfaces, but similar in terms of the amount of spin you might face. Sri Lanka are a quality side, especially in their own conditions, and they've shown that in the World Test Championship rankings. For us, it was a great test; we took a lot out of it and learned a lot. Now, it's about seeing how we can bring that game to India,” he added.