New Zealand batting all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is expected to be one of the most sought-after overseas players in the IPL 2025 auction. The 25-year-old has made significant strides in his international career across various formats over the past two years.
Ravindra seemed like a bargain for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at ₹1.8 crores last season. However, in his debut IPL season, he struggled to meet expectations, managing just 222 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.20 and a strike rate of 160.87.
Despite underwhelming stats, Ravindra showed significant potential, with his recent Test performances in India likely increasing IPL interest. Known for his versatility in Tests and ODIs, he’s expected to be in high demand at a base price of ₹1.5 crores in the IPL 2025 auction.
On his 25th birthday (November 18), here are three teams that should target the Kiwi talent in the IPL 2025 auction:
#3 Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Rachin Ravindra’s connection to Bengaluru is well-known in the cricketing world. The young all-rounder has often expressed his love for the city and the joy of playing at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
For the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), signing Ravindra could be a perfect match, benefiting both the player and the franchise. RCB, still in search of their first IPL title, has retained three Indian players—Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal.
Ravindra has impressed in Bengaluru, with a century against Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup and strong performances in the Test against India. His potential opening partnership with Virat Kohli at Chinnaswamy, thanks to their right-left combo, makes him an ideal pick for RCB in the IPL auction.
#2 Chennai Super Kings
Although Chennai Super Kings (CSK) didn’t retain Rachin Ravindra, it doesn’t mean their association with him is over. It could be a strategy to buy back the Kiwi star at a lower price during the auction using the Right-To-Match (RTM) card.
With a solid middle-order of Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and MS Dhoni already in place, signing Ravindra to partner with Ruturaj Gaikwad or bat at one-drop would complete their batting lineup.
Though used for only two overs by Ruturaj Gaikwad last season, Ravindra’s left-arm spin could prove valuable on Chepauk’s sluggish pitch in 2025. With 13 T20I wickets at an average of 19.69 and an economy rate of 6.40, a second season with CSK could be the perfect fit for Ravindra.
#1 Punjab Kings
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are clearly starting over once again, as evidenced by their retentions. After missing the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season in 2024, the franchise has begun its rebuild by retaining only uncapped players Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh.
Given their focus on youth, targeting Rachin Ravindra makes perfect sense. At 25, the rapidly improving Kiwi star could thrive on the pace and bounce of pitches in Mohali or Dharamsala, which resemble his home conditions.
The larger boundaries at Mohali could make Ravindra’s part-time spin bowling more valuable. Additionally, his strong mental game and ability to perform in big tournaments like the World Cup and Tests in India highlight qualities that PBKS has often lacked as a franchise.
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