Dream debut: Ravindra Stars in The Great Escape

Rachin Ravindra has described helping New Zealand to a gritty draw in India on test debut as ‘‘the stuff of dreams’’. The 22-year-old and No 11 Ajaz Patel bravely batted for 8.4 overs after the fall of the ninth wicket to deny India victory in the first test at Kanpur.

Ravindra, who became the 282nd test cricketer in New Zealand history, was stoic against India’s outstanding spinners on a deteriorating day five wicket in fading light. New Zealand finished 165-9 with India unable to claim the last wicket required for victory with bad light ending the game 12 minutes early.

Born in Wellington to Indian parents, it was a momentous start to test cricket for Ravindra and a day he would cherish forever.

‘‘It was a pretty incredible moment, taking in the crowd and how loud they were and all the fielders around the bat. It’s the kind of stuff you dream about as a kid. You watch test matches like that and that’s where your heroes and your idols are made.

‘‘It’s the stuff of dreams being able to take in the crowd.’’

Despite his age and lack of international experience, Ravindra was a calm head on young shoulders, refusing to get rattled by the pressure. He made sure he didn’t look at the scoreboard or clock at the ground and instead concentrated on the task at hand.

Having Patel at the other end, whom he had known for five years and had helped him with his left-arm spin bowling, was extra special.

Patel also has Indian heritage, being born in Mumbai and moving to New Zealand with his family when he was eight.

‘‘I’ve played my first winter squad game and played my first first-class game with him in the team, it was just cool to have him there and talk about things and lean on each other. Since he’s a mentor for me, especially for bowling, he’s helped me a lot and being able to share that moment with him was amazing.’’

Former India pace bowler Javagal Srinath was match referee for the test and is a close friend of the Ravindra family. Ravindra’s father Ravi Krishnamurthy played cricket with Srinath in Bengaluru in his playing days.

‘‘Dad is quite good mates with him. We still keep in touch with him now, and every time I go to India I go to his house and say hi,’’ Ravindra previously said.

Ravindra had briefly spoken to parents Ravi and Deepa who had watched nervously from Wellington. They had been quick to remind him to not look too far ahead.

‘‘They’re obviously really proud. They were trying to say to me stay level, which is a nice little reminder, but obviously I wouldn’t be where I am today without their sacrifices, without

everything they’ve done for me.

‘‘There’s still hopefully a long way to go in my career and I know they’ll keep supporting me.’’

When Ravindra returned to the dressing room after his gritty batting effort senior Black Caps, captain Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, were two of the first players to congratulate him.

Having grown up marvelling at their talents and wanting to follow in their footsteps, it meant a lot to him.

‘‘It was amazing and seeing those guys like Kane and Ross come up to me and talking about it was amazing, guys who I’ve idolised and seen playing cricket a long time. To be able to share a changing room with them and chat about the game to them was amazing.’’