IPL 2026 Auction: Top 3 Teams Likely to Start a Bidding War for Rachin Ravindra

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before the IPL 2026 mini-auction, making him one of the big names in the market. CSK let go of Ravindra, along with Devon Conway and Matheesha Pathirana, and traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to get Sanju Samson.

CSK had earlier spent a lot on the 26-year-old, buying him for ₹1.8 crore in 2024 and keeping him for ₹4 crore in 2025 using the RTM card. Ravindra scored 191 runs in IPL 2025. Even though he has been released, his talent makes him a strong pick in the auction. Teams looking for a good top-order batter and a spin-bowling option will likely be interested in him.

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Rachin Ravindra All Rounder

Rachin Ravindra is a New Zealand cricketer, who is a left-handed batting all-rounder.

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Delhi Capitals Founded: 2008

Delhi Capitals, formerly known as Delhi Daredevils, are a cricket team in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals are very interested in New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra in the IPL 2026 mini-auction as they want to strengthen their top-order batting. After a disappointing IPL 2025, where their powerplay batting was weak, DC released Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis. With ₹21.80 crore in their budget and several overseas player slots open before the IPL 2026 mini auction, they are looking for strong top-order players.

Ravindra, who was released by CSK after scoring 222 runs in 2024 and 191 runs in 2025, is a left-handed batter and left-arm spinner. He can give strong starts and could be a good partner for KL Rahul at the top.

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Kolkata Knight Riders Founded: 2008

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is a cricket team in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders, three-time IPL champions, could be the team to initiate a bidding war for Rachin Ravindra at the IPL 2026 mini auction. KKR has released Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, and Andre Russell, giving them a big budget of ₹64.30 crore and room to from their top-order and all-rounder spots.

Although Rachin Ravindra had a quiet IPL 2025, his performances for New Zealand, including the 2023 ODI World Cup and being Player of the Tournament in the 2025 Champions Trophy, make him a strong overseas player for the IPL 2026 mini-auction. His aggressive and class batting make him a good partner with Sunil Narine in the opening, and his left-arm spin, along with Varun Chakravarthy, will strengthen KKR’s bowling.

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Chennai Super Kings Founded: 2008

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise that India Cements Limited owns.

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings may have released Rachin Ravindra before the IPL 2026 auction, but he could rejoin his old team. After trading Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals for Sanju Samson, CSK now needs a spin-bowling all-rounder, and Rachin may fill that postion for CSK.

Rachin had a quiet 2025 season, scoring only 191 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 128.19, which led to his release. But with Ayush Mhatre emerging as a strong opener and CSK having a big budget of ₹43.40 crore, they might see Rachin as a smart and good option to open their batting with Ayush Mhatre. Many fans think he could have been kept, especially after Jadeja left. As the auction nears, CSK might try to get him back and make him an important player for the future.

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by Dwijesh November 24, 2025