New Zealand batting all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was among the number of prominent names released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The CSK franchise also released another Kiwi in Devon Conway as well as Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran were traded in exchange for Sanju Samson.
Rachin was signed by CSK for ₹1.8 crore at the IPL 2024 auction. At the IPL 2025 auction, they used the Right to Match (RTM) card for the New Zealander and retained him for ₹4 crore after Punjab Kings (PBKS) had bid that amount. The 26-year-old scored 191 runs in eight innings in IPL 2025 at an average of 27.28 and a strike rate of 128.18, with a best of 65*.
Rachin is a versatile cricketer, who can open the innings and can bat in the middle order as well if needed. He is also a handy left-arm spinner. The Kiwi could thus be in demand at the upcoming mini-auction on December 16. In this feature, we look at three team that could target the New Zealand star at the IPL 2026 auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released 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 was purchased for a whopping ₹23.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. In Andre Russell, they released another prominent all-rounder and have a huge purse of ₹64.30 crore for the auction.
At the upcoming auction on December 16, KKR would look to hunt for a good opening batter to combine with Sunil Narine (assuming the latter continues to open). They also need to strengthen their all-round department following the exits of Russell and Venkatesh Iyer. Rachin can be an option they can explore as he can open the batting and chip in with his left-arm spin as well.
The New Zealander may have had an underwhelming IPL 2025, but has proved his quality on the big stage. Apart from a stellar 2023 ODI World Cup in India, he was the Player of the Tournament in the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE. His left-arm spin has been underutilized by franchises. Rachin can be a good backup spin option to the match-winning duo of Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy.
Delhi Capitals (DC) failed to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs despite beginning the season with four consecutive wins. Lack of big-hitting prowess in the powerplay proved to their Achilles' heel. Jake Fraser-McGurk managed only 55 runs in six innings at an average of 9.16 and a strike rate of 105.76. Faf du Plessis scored 202 runs in nine innings, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 123.92.
DC have released both Fraser-McGurk and Du Plessis - a clear indication that they want to rebuild their top order. Delhi have the likes of KL Rahul, Karun Nair and Abishek Porel, who can bat in the top order. But they definitely need more fireworks in the powerplay and Rachin has the ability to provide that. If needed, he can also chip in with his handy left-arm spin.
Delhi head into the auction with a purse of ₹21.80 and five overseas slot left to fill. Considering their requirements, Rachin seems a good fit for them in the squad for the IPL 2026 season.
The Chennai franchise may have released Rachin ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, but it would not be seen as a surprise if they buy him back at a lower price. CSK traded all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for keeper-batter Sanju Samson ahead of the auction.
Looking at the all-rounders in their squad ahead of the auction, they have Shivam Dube and Jamie Overton, who can contribute with the bat and offer pace bowling option as well. CSK, however, would want a spin bowling all-rounder as well. While Rachin is nowhere in the league of Jadeja, he can be groomed in the role.
Following retentions and released, CSK have a purse of ₹43.40 crore remaining for the IPL 2026 auction. Some experts and fans reckoned that the franchise could have retained Rachin considered they had traded Jadeja. It would be interesting to see if CSK go after the Kiwi at the auction and continue their association with him.