Rachin Ravindra-A Special Honour to Open for CSK and Seal Victory

The electric Chepauk buzzed once again as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) began their IPL 2025 journey on a winning note. The historic stadium, filled with passionate fans, was looking forward to a vintage MS Dhoni finish. But it was Rachin Ravindra who stole the show, hitting a six over deep midwicket to win the game against Mumbai Indians.

Although the crowd had been expecting Dhoni to complete the match in his signature fashion, Ravindra saw to it that the task was accomplished effectively. "All the crowd would have wanted me to give him [the strike] and he finish it. But it's all about getting the job done," Ravindra explained after the match. "He has won so many games for CSK, and I'm sure there's plenty more to come."

A Moment to Remember

For Ravindra, being alongside Dhoni in the crease during that defining moment was a memory he would never forget. "It's hard to absorb it when you're in the moment because you're just about getting the team the game," he recalled. "But it's hard to deny the energy. You hear Dhoni come out with whistles and the din.". It's nice to share the crease with him for the first time. He's a legend, and he's loved here. So it's special."

Ravindra was instrumental in the winning chase of 156, contributing an unbeaten 65 from 45 balls. His knock, characterized by composure and aggressive stroke play, laid the platform for CSK's win.

The Honour of Opening for CSK

Last year, Ravindra opened the batting for CSK when Devon Conway suffered an injury. His performance gained the admiration of the management, and as a result, CSK reacquired him again at the mega auction. This year, Conway was again present in the team, but nevertheless, the side chose to continue with Ravindra as the opener.

This news came to him just a few days ahead of the game. "Flem's [head coach Stephen Fleming] really good at calling those shots," Ravindra added. "It's always a privilege to bat for CSK, with the history behind it. You glance back at legends like Michael Hussey, Shane Watson, Brendon McCullum, Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matthew Hayden, and Conway. I'm sure I'm forgetting some names, but they've all performed incredibly. I'm definitely blessed to be in this position."

To open the innings for CSK is no easy task. The team has had greats of the game open and create expectations, and Ravindra knows the pressure of the task. "It's a long tournament, and we will take it game by game. We know the challenges, and we will see what happens," he said.

Ravindra was instrumental in holding the innings together after CSK suffered a mid-order collapse. His 67-run stand with Ruturaj Gaikwad for the second wicket gave the team a strong foundation.

He then dealt confidently with Mumbai Indians' left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur later on, hitting two sixes in the 18th over. The blows turned the game in CSK's favor and ensured that there were no last-over theatrics.

Reflecting on his preparation for the season, Ravindra credited his recent cricketing experience for keeping him in good touch. “It hasn’t been too much training because I’ve been playing a lot of cricket, especially in the Champions Trophy,” he explained. “So it’s been nice to have that familiarity coming to similar-ish conditions. That’s been a cool bit of prep.”

He also acknowledged that last season had its ups and downs. "Last year perhaps did not go as good as I might have liked at the end. But I was gradually beginning to get a bit of rhythm going in that last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bangalore," he remembered. "Hopefully, I can take that on." T20 is a mercurial game, and fortunes swing up and down. But my aim is to bat the way I prefer to, play good cricketing shots, and help CSK win." 

Ravindra's capability to change gears and play under pressure has made him a prized asset for CSK. His role as an opener will be seminal in laying strong foundations for the team as the tournament goes on.

With a long season ahead, he is determined to stay consistent and produce match-winning performances. If his IPL 2025 so far is anything to go by, CSK followers can expect plenty more influential innings from this talented player.