New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra said that hearing Indian supporters chant his name during India's World Cup victory against Sri Lanka on Thursday seemed "surreal".
The 23-year-old, who has Indian roots, gave fans plenty to shout about as he made 42 in his team's five-wicket win, which has almost guaranteed New Zealand a place in the semi-finals.
"I am grateful for the support, especially playing in Bangalore. The crowd chanting my name is something I will never take for granted.
"I dreamt of it as a child. I feel very happy to be here; lucky enough, it worked out."
Ravindra has been one of the breakout stars of the World Cup, with three centuries and a tournament-leading 565 runs from nine innings at an average of a shade over 70.
He almost didn't get his opportunity at the World Cup, only being named in the starting line-up when skipper Kane Williamson needed more time to recover from a knee injury.
"It's a funny one. I have idolised Kane. I have idolised a lot like Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, and Joe Root," he said.
"But Kane's leadership, on and off the field, just keeps it calm."
India is proving a memorable place for Ravindra to visit. In 2021, at the second Test in Mumbai, he held the catch that allowed teammate Ajaz Patel to become just the third bowler in history to take all 10 wickets in an innings.
"It was a nervous moment in my career. Lucky to have taken the catch," he said.
Ravindra will be hoping to continue his good form when New Zealand takes on India in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
