Rachin Ravindra released by CSK: Teams that could target Kiwi superstar in IPL auction

Teams that could target Ravindra [Source: AFP Photo]

The Chennai Super Kings made a plethora of changes to their squad during the retention deadline day as numerous unwanted players got released, and only the best in the business were kept by the Yellow Army for next season. One of the big names that got released was the Kiwi superstar, Rachin Ravindra.

The batter was picked by the Super Kings with a lot of hope, but the stats tell that he failed to live up to the expectations and was also dropped from the playing XI last season.

What led to Rachin Ravindra's release

(Ravindra in IPL 2025)

• While his first season went well for CSK, the Kiwi batter disappointed in 2025 and could only score 191 runs in eight matches, and the strike rate of just 128.19 left fans disappointed.
• Moreover, the team found his opening replacement in Ayush Mhatre, as the youngter was CSK’s shining light in the second half of the season, and with Rutueaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson in the side, there was no space for Ravindra.
• However, despite his release, there are teams that could go after him in the IPL mini auction.

Teams that could target Rachin Ravindra

1) Kolkata Knight Riders

(KKR openers in IPL 2025)

• As the numbers suggest, both De Kock and Gurbaz had a dismal IPL 2025 season and hence, the team needs a reliable opener to fill in that gap.
• The surface at Eden Gardens will also suit his playing style as the ball would come onto the bat nicely and this would allow Ravindra to play his strokes.
• Moreover, KKR has a knack for picking all-rounders in the team, and Ravindra, apart from his exemplary batting, can also deliver a couple of overs, and if the Eden surface gets a bit of purchase, Ravindra’s spin-bowling could come in handy.

2) Delhi Capitals

• Another team that needs an opener is the Delhi Capitals. Last season, the team heavily relied on Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis as the two main openers, but they failed to deliver the goods.
• Ahead of IPL 2026, DC has released both the openers, and if KL Rahul gets promoted at the top, the team would still need another opener, and that could be Ravindra.
• The right-left combination would work wonders for the Capitals and since the Arun Jaitley Stadium offers help for the batters, he woul relish playing on such wickets.

3) Sunrisers Hyderabad

• Sunrisers Hyderabad have a settled batting combination, but there is one area where the Orange Army could look to fill in the gap. The team already has Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma as their two openers, but as of late, Head has had plenty of injury concerns.
• Hence, Ravindra could come in as a backup opener to Travis Head. Moreover, the Aussie has been going through a rough patch in T20Is, and if the same form continues in the IPL, the team will have Ravindra, who could slot in as a perfect replacement.

---

ALSO READ

IPL auction: Suitable buyers for Matheesha Pathirana after surprising CSK release

---