New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra is making a splash in his first Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Chennai Super Kings. His positive attitude and hunger to learn have been key to his strong start, according to team batting coach Michael Hussey.

Ravindra, a talented all-rounder, caught the attention of IPL teams after a stellar performance in last year's 50-over World Cup held in India. He finished as the fourth-highest scorer, amassing a whopping 578 runs including three centuries. While Royal Challengers Bangalore fans hoped to see him in their purple jersey (given his Bangalore roots), it was Chennai who secured him in the player auction. Despite playing for their arch-rivals, the 24-year-old Ravindra has wasted no time making his mark.

"He's had a fantastic start," said Hussey, praising the young player. "He brings a lot of energy and is eager to learn and contribute to the team. It's been a joy to watch." Ravindra's impressive debut includes not just powerful batting but also sharp fielding. Last week against Bangalore, he grabbed two crucial catches, even pulling off a stunning dismissal of star batsman Virat Kohli. With the bat, he smashed a quickfire 37 off just 15 balls, contributing to Chennai's win. He followed this up with another impactful innings against the Gujarat Titans, scoring a blazing 46 off 20 balls and setting the stage for their 63-run victory.

"The crowd energy fuels him," added Hussey. "Once he connected with a couple of good shots early on against Gujarat, his confidence soared. He clearly thrives on this big stage." Ravindra's impressive debut season promises much excitement for Chennai and New Zealand cricket fans alike.