New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was one of the notable players released by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The franchise also parted ways with fellow Kiwi Devon Conway and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, while trading Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange for Sanju Samson.
CSK had originally bought Rachin for ₹1.8 crore at the IPL 2024 auction. In 2025, they used their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain him for ₹4 crore after Punjab Kings (PBKS) placed that bid. The 26-year-old accumulated 191 runs in eight innings during IPL 2025, averaging 27.28 with a strike rate of 128.18, and a top score of 65*.
Rachin is a flexible batter who can open or play in the middle order, and he adds value with his left-arm spin. His skill set makes him a likely target at the December 16 mini-auction. Here are 3 teams that may look to target the New Zealand star at the IPL 2026 auction.
#3 Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have parted ways with both their overseas openers, Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. They also released batting all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who cost them a massive ₹23.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. In addition, KKR let go of veteran all-rounder Andre Russell, leaving them with a substantial auction purse of ₹64.30 crore.
With the auction set for December 16, KKR will be on the lookout for a reliable opening batter to partner Sunil Narine, assuming he retains his opening role. The departures of Russell and Venkatesh Iyer also create a need for quality all-rounders. Rachin Ravindra fits this requirement well, capable of opening the innings and offering useful left-arm spin.
While his IPL 2025 season didn’t meet expectations, Rachin has showcased his talent in major tournaments. He excelled in the 2023 ODI World Cup and won Player of the Tournament in the 2025 Champions Trophy. His left-arm spin remains underused in the IPL, making him a strong backup option to Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy.
#2 Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals (DC) missed out on the IPL 2025 playoffs despite starting the season with four straight victories. Their biggest issue was the lack of explosive batting in the powerplay. Jake Fraser-McGurk managed just 55 runs in six innings, averaging 9.16 with a strike rate of 105.76, while Faf du Plessis scored 202 runs from nine innings at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 123.92.
Both Fraser-McGurk and du Plessis have been released, signalling DC’s intention to revamp their top order. While they have options like KL Rahul, Karun Nair and Abishek Porel, the team still needs stronger powerplay hitters, an area where Rachin Ravindra can make a difference. He can also offer useful left-arm spin when required.
DC will enter the auction with ₹21.80 crore in their purse and five overseas slots available. Given their needs, Rachin appears to be a strong contender to join their squad for IPL 2026.
#1 Chennai Super Kings
Although Chennai Super Kings (CSK) released Rachin Ravindra ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, it wouldn’t be surprising if they attempt to buy him back at a lower price. The franchise traded all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson before the auction.
Assessing their current all-rounder options, CSK have Shivam Dube and Jamie Overton, both of whom can contribute with the bat and provide pace-bowling support. However, the team still lacks a spin-bowling all-rounder. While Rachin is not on Jadeja’s level yet, he could be developed into a similar role over time.
After their retentions and releases, CSK enter the IPL 2026 auction with a purse of ₹43.40 crore. Many fans and experts felt that Rachin could have been retained, especially after Jadeja’s departure. It remains to be seen whether CSK will target the Kiwi all-rounder again to maintain their association with him.
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