When New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra enters the ground for the series-opening Test against India in Bengaluru on Wednesday the popular all-rounder will be assured of loud support from fans that will include many family members.
Born in New Zealand to Indian parents, the mop-haired left-hander from Wellington emerged as a crowd favourite among Indian fans when playing for the Black Caps in last year's 50-overs World Cup and Chennai in this season's Indian Premier League.
The 24-year-old said he was now relishing the opportunity to play the game's longest format in the city his father grew up in and competed in domestic cricket matches many years ago.
"It's cool. I think when I was here the last time for the IPL and the ODI World Cup they were two pretty cool experiences to have as part of two very good teams," Ravindra said.
"I guess there's something different about playing a Test match. You're here for five days, it's tradition, test cricket is the pinnacle so it's always nice to play Test cricket."
Ravindra said that the game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium would be "extra special" because of the family connection.
"I'm very proud of my Indian heritage and to be able to play where a lot of my family is based is pretty special," he added.
"There will be a bunch of them in the crowd and dad will be here watching. These moments, you pinch yourself on the journey and this is definitely one of them."
You may also like
Amanda Abbington reveals next role and surprise dream to star in much-loved soap
Rohit Sharma Eyes Expanded Bench Strength In Fast-bowling Department
Nobel Prize in Economics: Despite Limitations, AJR's Work is Worthy of Its Time
Pub on tiny remote island that can only be visited by 12 people at a time
Drink to Your Health: The Incredible Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
Loose Women star Linda Robson shares devastating baby loss live on ITV
PM Modi Calls for Global Collaboration to Combat Cyber Crimes
'I divorced my husband to save our relationship – now we're happily dating'
India doesn't see immediate impact on trade ties with Canada: Report
2nd Open Talent Hunt: Haryana boxers win bulk of medals in Elite and Youth categories
Two Indians arrested for smuggling drugs in Nepal
BBC Death In Paradise announces new project with fan favourites
Indian Navy is biggest guarantee of peace in Indian Ocean Region, says Rajnath Singh
CSIR NET Result 2024: Joint CSIR NET Result June Released at csirnet.nta.ac.in, Direct Link
Rashmika Mandanna Named National Brand Ambassador Of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre
Olympian Manu Bhaker fires back at her trolls, says "no one needs to tell me what my goals are"
'It will help understanding of civilisational history': PM Modi lauds national maritime heritage complex in Gujarat's Lothal
Fertiglobe becomes Adnoc's platform for low-carbon ammonia growth globally
Major airline threatens to axe routes to popular Christmas weekend break hotspot
JD-U to contest 11 seats in Jharkhand