Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have confirmed that New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has officially departed from the squad and returned home. His early exit is aimed at beginning preparations for New Zealand's upcoming Test tour of England, as he shifts his focus toward his national red-ball commitments.
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KKR's Rachin Ravindra returns to New Zealand amidst IPL 2026
The announcement comes at a critical juncture for the franchise, just ahead of their Saturday evening clash against the in-form Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens. In an official update, KKR clarified that Ravindra’s departure was a planned move to ensure he is ready for the rigors of the international Test circuit.
"Rachin Ravindra has returned home to begin his red-ball preparations for New Zealand's upcoming Test tour to England," KKR's statement read.
KKR still afloat in playoff race
The departure of Rachin Ravindra comes at a challenging time for KKR, as the franchise enters a pivotal phase of the tournament. With the race for the playoffs intensifying, the team is grappling with the need to balance their squad and maintain effective overseas combinations. The three-time champions have struggled with consistency throughout the season, finding it difficult to build steady momentum in what has become a very competitive league stage.
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The Knight Riders’ current standing reflects this volatility; they occupy eighth place on the points table with their fortunes fluctuating weekly. After 11 matches, the team has recorded four wins and six losses, with one match ending in no result. This leaves them with a total of nine points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.198. While they remain mathematically alive in the playoff race, losing a versatile all-rounder like Ravindra to international duty adds further pressure to their campaign.
On the international front, preparations for the upcoming Test series are already in motion. As Ravindra heads home to gear up for the New Zealand tour, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has finalised its 15-member squad for the first Test at Lord’s, beginning June 4. The England selection features a fresh look, including maiden call-ups for three uncapped players: wicketkeeper-batter James Rew, top-order batter Emilio Gay, and fast bowler Sonny Baker.