A Helmeted Return: Protecting a Star
He emerges like a celebrity keen to avoid an unflattering photograph, his helmet firmly in place. The gash on his forehead and the stitches holding it together are safely hidden from view. New Zealand has not just wrapped bandages around him; they have taken extensive measures to protect him from a premature return to the field after the freak injury he suffered ten days ago. It was a terrifying moment when he lost sight of a slog from Khushdil Shah, only to be struck full on the forehead by the ball. Despite the initial fears and the gravity of the injury, his recovery has been nothing short of remarkable.
Recovery and Resilience: A Flamboyant Return
In the nets, Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell bowls spin to him, and Ravindra’s signature flamboyance is on full display. He backs away, clears his front leg, and carves a glorious lofted cover drive. When one is tossed up and overpitched, he unleashes an on drive that, without the nets, would have comfortably cleared the boundary. The initial moments after the injury were harrowing as he lay on the ground, dazed and bleeding profusely, receiving lengthy treatment and being led off the field with warm, empathetic applause from the crowd. But the updates from the New Zealand camp grew increasingly optimistic. He hadn’t been concussed, hadn’t lost consciousness, and there was no damage to his eyes, nose, or teeth. His personality, described by Kane Williamson as a "chirpy character," returned quickly, but the team was not taking any chances.
Team Unity: Greater Than the Sum of Parts
In the fortnight since New Zealand arrived in Pakistan, they have faced setbacks with resilience. This is a side known for being greater than the sum of its parts. When Devon Conway took Ravindra’s place, he scored 97 and 48, helping New Zealand win the trophy. Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears also became unavailable, but Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy seamlessly filled in. Kyle Jamieson, on his way as Ferguson’s replacement for the Champions Trophy, is just another testament to the team’s adaptability. "It’s about adapting to conditions and surfaces as best we can," Latham said. "We’ve played three games here and a warm-up game, so the guys are reasonably familiar with the conditions and it’s about playing our brand to the best of our ability."
Versatile Success: Three Wins, Three Styles
New Zealand has not just treated the last ten days as a dry run but as a platform to showcase their versatility. They won a game by consolidating with the top order and exploding at the death. Against South Africa, they demonstrated their quality in pursuit of 304, with Williamson leading a smooth chase. In the final, the pace and spin attacks combined to stifle Pakistan, resulting in a below-par total and a convincing victory. They won three games in three different ways, with nearly everyone in the squad taking turns to shine. "It’s nice to be performing," Latham said. "We’ve been playing well through the tri-series, and it’s nice that we’ve been able to overcome the pressure in all three games."
Net Sessions and Conversations: Ensuring Readiness
In the nets, the spinners have had their turn, and Jacob Duffy and Will O’Rourke are now bowling. Ravindra stands back, well away from the stumps, watching intently, perhaps acclimatising himself to the pace from that angle without putting himself in harm’s way. A short while later, he emerges from the nets, thanking the net bowlers before having a long chat with Tim Southee, who is in Pakistan as an ICC ambassador. Half an hour later, he reappears without his helmet, ball in hand, but only uses it for throwdowns rather than the usual left-arm orthodox. Conway, Williamson, and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen huddle around him, engaged in another lengthy conversation. Clearly, if New Zealand are to play him, they want to make absolutely sure he’s ready to take the field.
A Team That Thrives: Prepared for All Scenarios
Ravindra’s potential return is a hopeful sign, but New Zealand has shown they can cope just fine without him if necessary. Their adaptability and resilience have been evident throughout the tri-series, and their ability to overcome pressure and perform under different conditions is a testament to their strength as a team. Whether he plays or not, one thing is clear: New Zealand is a well-oiled machine, ready to face whatever challenges come their way. Danyal Rasool, ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent, captures the essence of this dynamic and resilient team in his report.
