Kolkata Knight Riders’ Kiwi all-rounder Rachin Ravindra spent the early part of the 2026 Indian Premier League season without featuring in a single match, before being granted permission to return home to recharge ahead of New Zealand’s Test assignments against Ireland and England.
Ravindra’s IPL absence and the reason he stayed in India
Ravindra did not play any game in the IPL during 2026. With his on-field chances limited, he was largely involved in non-playing responsibilities while remaining around the franchise environment.
Even so, he insisted that his time in India was not wasted. Being part of a strong group, he believes, can still deliver value—particularly when the goal is to transition back into red-ball cricket.
Learning from KKR’s red-ball minds and batting voices
For Ravindra, the biggest takeaway from his spell with KKR came through close conversations and day-to-day learning. He highlighted the influence of experienced figures within the setup, especially those with a deep background in Test cricket and high-level batting coaching.
- He said he learned a great deal from KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, describing him as a top-tier red-ball batter.
- He also pointed to Abhishek Nayar, noting that Nayar has previously worked with India as an assistant batting coach.
- During IPL matches, Ravindra added that he managed to have discussions with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
Why the IPL stint still helped his Test preparation
Ravindra argued that there are benefits both from playing cricket regularly and from training in a competitive franchise environment. He specifically mentioned the advantage of speaking with players who have extensive overseas experience and have performed in challenging conditions against elite opponents.
He explained that the discussions weren’t limited to T20 habits either, because the coaching and expertise around him extends beyond format-specific ideas.
- Ravindra said there are “massive benefits” to being in the IPL because it gives players opportunities to talk with people like Rahane.
- He referenced Rahane’s experience overseas, including Rahane’s landmark century at Lord’s and his long record of Test cricket against England and Australia.
- He noted that Abhishek Nayar’s background includes time as India’s assistant batting coach.
- He added that Shane Watson, identified as the batting coach, has played a lot of cricket versus England and has coached multiple players who have succeeded against England.
Ravindra further stressed the value of sitting down with established names—particularly Virat Kohli—about batting, and also speaking with KL Rahul, pointing to the benefit of learning from individuals who have enjoyed sustained success over long periods.
KKR support before the Ireland and England Tests
As New Zealand prepares for its next Test cycle, Ravindra described the franchise’s approach as understanding. He said KKR were receptive to the situation because, with him not playing, there was a clear pathway to returning home for a refresh.
New Zealand will begin a one-off Test against Ireland on May 27 in Belfast. That will be followed by a three-match series against England, starting June 4 at Lord’s. Ravindra said KKR allowed him to plan around that timeline.
He recalled that the decision process involved communication with the CEO and the coach regarding his potential return, and he added that he would not be back until late August due to what lies ahead for New Zealand.
- He said KKR were welcoming and understanding, given that he was not expected to play.
- He stated that the plan was discussed with the franchise leadership, with the idea of coming home for a refresh.
- He noted he would not return until late August because of the upcoming workload.
- He added that there would still be some overlap, but the arrangement made the transition easier since he wasn’t playing in the IPL at that stage.
- He described the break as a “great little refresh,” helping him do training and prepare before joining the squad in Ireland.
Ravindra also said the broader reality is that players spend so much time away from home, which makes the chance to return and prepare properly all the more meaningful.
