Rachin Ravindra has earned his first offer for an international playing contract from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the 2024–2025 season, following his incredible final season with the Kiwis
. He is one of the four fresh faces on the list of those under contract. In addition to Ravindra, Ben Sears, another Wellington pacer, Will O’Rourke from Canterbury, and Jacob Duffy from Otago have all been signed to contracts after demonstrating their potential over the past 12 months.
With 578 runs in total, Ravindra finished as the fourth-highest run scorer of the ODI World Cup 2023, making it an unforgettable campaign. He went on to play in the other two game forms during the summer in New Zealand, and his efforts were not in vain because in January he was awarded the 2023 ICC Emerging Player of the Year. A few months later, at the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards, he made history by becoming the youngest recipient of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal.
An overjoyed Ravindra declared that he had learnt a lot over the previous 12 months and that he was driven to keep honing his skill after getting his first central contract with NZC.
When those annual contract lists were released, I used to think it would be awesome to be on them someday. So, seeing it happen now makes me feel a little embarrassed. Playing international cricket for the past 12 months has been incredibly cool. The all-rounder told NZC, “I’ve learned a lot and the hunger is definitely there to keep improving and giving to the BLACKCAPS.”
Being a part of this unique group, which includes both players and support workers, has been the most pleasurable aspect of the experience, to be honest. “It’s very special to me to be able to play a game you love with your friends for a living,” he continued.
In contrast, Sears had 11 appearances in Twenty20 Internationals for the Blackcaps in 2023–24, taking 13 wickets at an average of 22. At the Hagley Oval, he made his Test debut against Australia and captured four wickets in the second innings. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Sears was one of New Zealand’s travelling reserves.
However, O’Rourke made his debut for New Zealand in all three forms during the previous season, participating in two Tests, three ODIs, and as many T20Is. With his 9/93 in his debut, the 22-year-old achieved the greatest Test figures for New Zealand, helping his team win their maiden Test series against South Africa.
Duffy, meantime, has played in six ODIs and 14 T20Is. Most recently, he was a part of the T20I series that ended in a tie against Pakistan in April.
Also Read: New Zealand central contracts were offered by Sears and Ravindra.
Ajaz Patel, a seasoned left-arm spinner, returned this season ahead of New Zealand’s hectic red-ball schedule after missing out on a NZC contract the previous year.
Players offered BLACKCAPS central contracts for 2024-25
Finn Allen (Auckland), Tom Blundell (Wellington), Michael Bracewell (Wellington), Mark Chapman (Auckland), Devon Conway (Wellington), Jacob Duffy (Otago), Matt Henry (Canterbury), Kyle Jamieson (Canterbury), Tom Latham (Canterbury), Daryl Mitchell (Canterbury), Henry Nicholls (Canterbury), Will O’Rourke (Canterbury), Ajaz Patel (Central Districts), Glenn Phillips (Otago), Rachin Ravindra (Wellington), Mitchell Santner (Northern Districts), Ben Sears (Wellington), Ish Sodhi (Canterbury), Tim Southee (Northern Districts), Will Young (Central Districts)
India
