"I haven't heard my dad say that often": Ravindra reveals the message that made Blackcaps' India sweep sink home

Amid the rewriting of record books and fanfare surrounding the Blackcaps' incredible Test series sweep in India, there was an extra dose of sentimentality for batting prodigy Rachin Ravindra.

As the clock struck past midnight in Mumbai, the 24-year-old was one of the last remaining players available to speak to SENZ's Scotty & Izzy, with his admission that he "doesn't drink too much" a dead giveaway for the direction the team's celebrations had deservedly taken after becoming the first team in cricket's long history to earn a 3-0 Test series sweep in India.

Among a string of standouts, Ravindra's contribution to the Blackcaps' cause was one of the most exceptional. The left-hander finished New Zealand's top contributor with the bat, scoring a total of 256 runs at an average of 51.20 - highlighted by his magnificent 134 in the first innings of the opening Test.

Making the moment that much more special was the presence of his father in the stands in his hometown of Bengaluru, watching his son's latest achievement in what's been a dizzying ascent since his debut just three years ago.

And after securing their third straight win over their vaunted hosts on Sunday, it was a few words from his softly spoken father Ravi that helped - at least, somewhat - the magnitude of what they'd accomplished sink in.

"I haven't heard my dad say to me, 'so proud of you' often in my life, so it was nice to get that message when we won," Ravindra recounted.

It was Ravi's passion for the game that inspired a young Ravindra to pick up the bat as a youngster in the capital, forcing him out of bed at 5am each day to give him throwdowns in the driveway, while his Mum - as she still does - sweated out every delivery he faced out on the pitch. Her voice notes after each day's play in India came like clockwork.

Each year from the age of, Ravindra and his dad - a handy player in his own right - would travel to Bengaluru to play club cricket, and the results down the line speak for themselves.

"Obviously I'm just very grateful for everyone in my inner circle," he said. "I was making him get up and he'd come and throw balls for me two hours before school. Mum getting me ready every day for school, training and games - that unconditional love, which I'll never forget. That's stuff I'll never take for granted.

"I had Dad watch the first test in Bangalore in his hometown, which was nice, and I'm sure Mum was biting her nails in front of the TV not moving an inch back home. "

Alongside Ajaz Patel's third Test heroics, adding another 11 wickets to take his startling tally in his hometown of Mumbai to 25 in just two matches, it was a memorable tour for the two Kiwis of Indian heritage.

"It's very special and to be able to do it in the country of (my parents') birth is amazing," Ravindra admitted.

"Although I've always maintained I'm 100 percent Kiwi born and brought up, it's nice to get that reminder every now and again."

After their struggles in Sri Lanka, the team suddenly find themselves in the thick of the contenders for the World Test Championship final, making their upcoming home series against Brendon McCullum's England that much more meaningful.

But for now, there's still plenty of savouring left to do of what's been a remarkable few weeks in India - a tour now widely recognised as New Zealand's greatest.

"It was unbelievable," Ravindra added.

"On the field, it was a different feeling. I think it's nothing like I've quite experienced before.

"Just seeing everyone's elation, running towards each other. Ajaz's sixth wicket, and being in Mumbai and seeing all the boys together in a huddle jumping around.

"It's hard to quite quantify, but it's pretty special."