Rachin Ravindra: 'I'm a Manchester City guy, I like how they control games'
Synopsis
New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra has come out as a Manchester City fan — and he has a specific origin story. A visit to the Etihad for City's opening Premier League game against Tottenham last season sealed it. He also witnessed what may have been Ronaldo's final international match in Dallas, calling it one of the best days of his life.
Key Takeaways
Rachin Ravindra declared himself a Manchester City fan in an interview with JioStar on 27 August .
He cited City's controlling style of play as the main reason for his support.
A visit to the Etihad Stadium for City vs Tottenham — the first Premier League game of last season — converted him into a fan.
He attended the Spain vs Portugal Round of 16 match in Dallas , describing it as 'one of the best days of my life.' Ravindra nominated Chris Woakes as the cricketer best suited to play centre-back in football.
Manchester City face Crystal Palace in their Premier League 2026/27 opener on 29 August .
New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has declared himself a committed Manchester City supporter, crediting the Premier League champions' distinctive possession-based style as the foundation of his football allegiance. Ravindra made the remarks in an interview with JioStar on Wednesday, 27 August, ahead of City's Premier League 2026/27 season opener against Crystal Palace on 29 August.
Why Ravindra Backs the Sky Blues
'I'm a Manchester City guy. I've followed them for a while. I like the way they play and the style of football they bring. Watching them is always exciting, and I enjoy seeing how they control games,' the Wellington-based cricketer said.
The attacking left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox spinner has followed the club long enough to develop a clear footballing philosophy — one that mirrors the patience and control that defines his own batting at the crease.
The Etihad Visit That Made Him a Fan
Ravindra pinpointed a live visit to the Etihad Stadium as the moment that converted him into a full-fledged City supporter. 'One of them made me a Manchester City fan. They hosted me at the Etihad for the first Premier League game of last season against Tottenham. We didn't win, but it was still a great day,' he recalled.
The experience of watching a top-flight match in person clearly left a mark. Ravindra described it as one of two standout football moments in his life — the other being an even grander occasion on the international stage.
A World Cup Moment — and Possibly Ronaldo's Last
The second defining football memory came at the FIFA World Cup, when Ravindra attended the Round of 16 clash between Spain and Portugal in Dallas. 'That was one of the best days of my life. It might have been Ronaldo's last international game, which was a bit sad, but it was special to be there,' he said.
The match, widely speculated to be Cristiano Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal, added an emotional dimension to what was already a high-stakes fixture.
Chris Woakes as Centre-Back? Ravindra's Pick
When asked which fellow international cricketer would excel on the football pitch, Ravindra had a specific answer. He nominated former England fast bowler Chris Woakes for the centre-back role. 'He would make a very solid centre-back. He's good on the ball, comfortable under pressure, and reads the game well. I think he has the skills to play that role,' Ravindra said.
The comparison is telling — Woakes' composure and game-reading ability are qualities Ravindra clearly values, both on the pitch and off it. As Manchester City prepare for their new Premier League campaign, they have at least one loyal fan watching from the cricket world.
Point of View
' which maps neatly onto his own batting philosophy. The Chris Woakes pick, meanwhile, is the kind of cross-sport commentary that travels well on social media — but the real story here is how Premier League clubs are quietly building fanbases inside cricket dressing rooms across South Asia and the Pacific.
NationPress
27 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rachin Ravindra a Manchester City fan?
Rachin Ravindra became a Manchester City fan after attending the club's first Premier League game of last season against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium. He has also cited their controlling style of play as the core reason for his allegiance.
What did Rachin Ravindra say about the Spain vs Portugal World Cup match?
Ravindra attended the Round of 16 match between Spain and Portugal in Dallas and called it 'one of the best days of my life.' He noted it may have been Cristiano Ronaldo's final international game, describing the occasion as both special and a little sad.
Who did Rachin Ravindra pick as the best footballer among cricketers?
Ravindra nominated Chris Woakes for the centre-back position, praising the former England fast bowler for being good on the ball, comfortable under pressure, and able to read the game well.
When do Manchester City play next in the Premier League?
Manchester City are scheduled to face Crystal Palace on 29 August in their Premier League 2026/27 season opener.
Who is Rachin Ravindra?
Rachin Ravindra is a New Zealand cricket all-rounder based in Wellington. He is an attacking left-handed batter who also bowls left-arm orthodox spin, and has established himself as a key figure in the New Zealand Test and ODI setup.
