Keeping a clear head and showing plenty of positive intent has helped Chennai Super Kings batsman Rachin Ravindra make a strong start to his Indian Premier League (IPL) career, says batting coach Michael Hussey.
New Zealand allrounder Ravindra emerged as a hot prospect for IPL teams, after finishing as the fourth-highest scorer in the 50-over World Cup in India last year with 578 runs, including three centuries.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans hoped Ravindra, 24, would join them, given his roots in the city, but since joining fierce southern rivals Chennai in the player auction, he has hit the ground running in his debut IPL season.
"Yeah, he's had a great start," said former Australia batter Hussey, known in his homeland as 'Mr Cricket'. "It's been awesome to watch.
"He's just come here full of energy, and he just wants to learn so much and make a positive impact on the team environment. It's fantastic.
"He's enjoying his time and soaking up as much knowledge as he possibly can."
After taking two catches - including a stunner to dismiss Virat Kohli - and making 37 off 15 balls in Chennai's win over Bengaluru last week, Ravindra smashed 46 off 20 balls to lay the platform for a 63-run victory over Gujarat Titans.
"He really feeds off the crowd as well," added Hussey. "Once he got a couple of good shots away early [against Gujarat], his confidence grew and he believed he could perform on this stage.
"I think he's gone out there with a clear mind and positive attitude."
Ravindra was named ICC Emerging Player of the Year and received the Richard Hadlee Medal, as New Zealand's Cricketer of the Year.
Reuters
