Rachin Ravindra has officially left the Kolkata Knight Riders camp ahead of the franchise’s final three league matches in IPL 2026. The New Zealand all-rounder is returning home to prepare for international duty with the Black Caps ahead of their upcoming Test series against England cricket team next month. KKR confirmed the development through a video shared on their official X account on Friday, where Rachin was seen bidding farewell to teammates and support staff before departing from Kolkata.
The franchise also shared a heartfelt message for the New Zealand star in the caption. “Best wishes from the Knights as Rachin heads home to prepare for national duty,” KKR posted. New Zealand are scheduled to play a three-match Test series in England starting June 4 at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The remaining two Tests will be held at The Oval and Trent Bridge later in the month.
Although Rachin did not feature in a single game for Kolkata Knight Riders during IPL 2026, he remains one of the most important players in New Zealand’s red-ball setup. The left-handed batter is expected to play a major role for the Black Caps in English conditions, especially with the team continuing to back him at the crucial No. 3 position in Test cricket.
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Since making his Test debut against India national cricket team in Kanpur in November 2021, Rachin has developed into a dependable all-format cricketer for New Zealand. In 20 Test matches so far, he has scored 1,526 runs and also picked up 11 wickets with his left-arm spin.
Best wishes from the Knights as Rachin heads home to prepare for national duty 💜 pic.twitter.com/LcYQTGMRBG
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 15, 2026
The upcoming England series will be another massive challenge for the 25-year-old, particularly because batting in English conditions often tests technique and temperament. With experienced names like Kane Williamson, Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell in the squad, New Zealand will still rely heavily on Rachin’s consistency at the top order.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders continue to fight for survival in IPL 2026. The franchise currently sits eighth on the points table with nine points from 11 matches and remains mathematically alive in the playoff race.
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However, KKR’s qualification hopes now depend on winning all three remaining league matches by convincing margins while also relying on favorable results from other teams. The Kolkata-based franchise will face the Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals in their final three matches, all scheduled to be played at Eden Gardens.
New Zealand’s squad for Test series against England: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Ben Sears (Reserve)
