Pune: Rachin bowled over by Tendulkar memorabilia at Blades of Glory

Pune, 23rd October 2024: New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra, who has Indian origins, was left in awe by the rich collection of cricketing memorabilia at the Blades of Glory Museum located at Sahakar Nagar in Pune on Tuesday. Ravindra, along with his Kiwi teammates, including Tim Southee, Tom bundel and Mark Chapman visited the museum, which houses iconic cricketing stuff used by the players from different countries. Rohan Pate, Founder of the museum took them around this museum of cricket memorabilia, which houses the largest collection in the world. New Zealand players are in the city to play the test match against India as a part of their ongoing India tour.

Speaking about his visit to the museum, Rachin said, “It is pretty mind-blowing to get an opportunity to come to a place like this, especially in India where cricket is worshiped. It’s wonderful to be at a museum that has so much memorabilia and history. As a cricket fan and lover, it’s special to see all the history around me. Such places act as a source of inspiration.”

Rachin was particularly moved when he saw the collection dedicated to legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. “I felt very inspired walking towards Sachin Tendulkar’s segment in the museum, and seeing the bats of Sir Don Bradman and other great players. Sachin is someone I admire massively. The pressure of 1 billion-plus people on him every time he went out to bat, and yet he was able to perform at such a high level, is remarkable. His hundred hundreds, some of which I watched live or on YouTube, are unforgettable,” he said with admiration.

When asked about his connection to India, despite being a New Zealand citizen, Rachin acknowledged the emotional bond. “I’m 100% Kiwi, born and brought up there, but it’s always special to come back to India. My family roots and heritage are here, and it’s amazing to feel the love from the Indian public whenever I visit. Indian spectators have accepted me with open arms. Playing cricket in front of extended family and friends here is a unique experience, something I don’t get to do often in New Zealand,” he added.

Reflecting on other cricketing influences, Rachin shared, “There are so many players I admire, from Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara to my childhood idol, Ross Taylor, and Kane Williamson. Growing up, these players had a massive influence on me.”

On a lighter note, Rachin, like many athletes with Indian connections, also has a favorite Indian dish. When asked about his favorite food from India, he smiled and said, “Dosa. Definitely dosa—especially my mum’s homemade dosa. There’s nothing better than that.” During this visit, Rachin expressed the desire to have some cricketing stuff of Sachin Tendulkar. Honoring this desire, Rohan Pate, Founder of Blades of Glory surprised him with a special gift, which was Sachin’s Test T Shirt.

Tim Southee, who has captained the New Zealand cricket team in all formats of the game, has visited the museum 10 years before also. During this visit, he appreciated the rise in the collection and quality of the collection in terms of its heritage value. He placed a signed Ball in the section dedicated to the bowlers who have taken 300 plus wickets in test cricket and said that he will come again to place the ball in the section dedicated to the bowlers who have taken 400 wickets in test cricket.