Ravindra becomes youngest recipient of Richard Hadlee Medal

NEW DELHI: In a historic achievement,

Rachin Ravindra

, the standout performer of New Zealand's World Cup campaign in India, was awarded the

Sir Richard Hadlee Medal

, making him the youngest recipient of the honour in the country's cricket history.
Ravindra, aged 24, had a remarkable season, establishing himself as a crucial player in New Zealand's red and white ball sides.

Ravindra's outstanding performance in the ODI World Cup included scoring 578 runs at an impressive average of 64, featuring three centuries and two half-centuries, including an unbeaten 123 against England in the tournament opener.

His contributions earned him the ICC's Emerging Player of the Year for 2023 and a lucrative $350,000 Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with the Chennai Super Kings.
The Sir

Richard Hadlee

Medal capped off Ravindra's breakout season, where he showcased his talents across all three formats.
In Test cricket, he registered New Zealand's highest-ever maiden Test century with a remarkable 240 against South Africa, playing a pivotal role in the BLACKCAPS' first-ever Test series victory over the Proteas.

Additionally, he made a mark in T20 internationals, delivering a scintillating performance with 68 runs from 35 balls against Australia.

Kane Williamson

was recognised for his outstanding form in the Test arena with the ANZ Test Player of the Year Award, and winning the Redpath Cup for men's first-class batting.
Among women,

Melie Kerr

secured a clean sweep of major awards at the New Zealand Cricket Awards. Kerr received the

Debbie Hockley Medal

, ANZ ODI and T20I Player of the Year, and the Dream11 Super Smash Women's Player of the Year.
As the WHITE FERNS' leading ODI run-scorer and joint leading T20 wicket-taker, Kerr's exceptional performances were recognized with selection in both the women's ODI and T20I ICC Teams of the Year for 2023.
She also excelled domestically, captaining the Wellington Blaze to their fourth Dream11 Super Smash title and leading both run-scoring and wicket-taking charts.
(With PTI inputs)