Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) allrounder Rachin Ravindra has stepped away from the IPL to concentrate on New Zealand’s forthcoming Test tour of England, with a red-ball focus in the lead-up to the squad’s departure for the UK. The opening Test of the England vs New Zealand series begins at Lord’s on June 4.
Key takeaways
- KKR confirmed on Friday that Rachin Ravindra will not be part of the IPL, instead prioritising New Zealand’s upcoming Test campaign in England.
- Ravindra was purchased by KKR for a base price of INR 2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction but did not play a match during the season.
- He is set to make his first UK Test tour, having been a steady performer in New Zealand’s Test batting line-up.
- The England series starts at Lord’s on June 4, followed by Tests at The Oval and Nottingham later in the month.
- Before heading to England, New Zealand will take on Ireland in a four-day Test in Belfast starting May 27.
- New Zealand currently sit second in the 2025-27 World Test Championship table, holding two wins and one draw.
KKR confirmation and IPL 2026 context
KKR’s decision was made official on Friday, marking Ravindra’s departure from the league to shift attention to New Zealand’s red-ball commitments. At the IPL 2026 auction, KKR acquired him with a base bid of INR 2 crore (around US$208,450). However, despite being part of the franchise setup, he failed to feature in any match throughout the season.
Ravindra was one of eight international players in KKR’s squad, but he was left out of the playing group used during the campaign. The franchise opted for a lineup that leaned heavily on Indian batting options, along with Cameron Green occupying a key middle-order role.
Test tour details and Ravindra’s recent form
For New Zealand, Ravindra has been a regular presence in the Test middle order. The England tour will represent his first trip to the UK in the longest format, with a period of preparation in New Zealand planned before the national squad travels.
In the two most recent Test series in New Zealand, he has produced significant runs. He began with an unbeaten 165 against Zimbabwe in August 2025. He then followed that up with a 176 in Christchurch, before contributing scores of 72 and 46 that ended unbeaten in Mount Maunganui—both of those knocks coming against the West Indies in December 2025.
England schedule and Ireland warm-up
New Zealand’s England assignment will be their second Test set in the current cycle. The itinerary includes a Test at Lord’s from June 4 to June 8, followed by the match at The Oval from June 17 to June 21, and then a game at Nottingham from June 25 to June 29.
Before the UK leg begins, New Zealand will play a four-day Test against Ireland in Belfast, starting May 27. Only after that match will they move focus fully to the England series.
World Test Championship position and prior meeting in England
New Zealand are placed second in the 2025-27 World Test Championship standings, with two victories and one drawn match so far. Their previous tour of England for a Test series came in 2022, when they were swept 0-3 by the hosts.
