![Rachin Ravindra [Source: @BLACKCAPS, @49_all_out/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1764829447042_rachin_ravindra.jpg?type=hq)
Rachin Ravindra [Source: @BLACKCAPS, @49_all_out/x]
Rachin Ravindra struck a belligerent 176 against West Indies on Day 3 of the first Test in Christchurch to extend New Zealand’s lead to 481 runs. Switching to One-Day mode, the middle-order batter faced just 185 deliveries in the innings, and dispatched 27 of them for regal boundaries and another one for a huge six.
Notably, Rachin Ravindra’s Test blitzkrieg against West Indies occurred just days prior to the IPL 2026 auction.
Rachin Ravindra carves a big statement after CSK rejection
Last month, Rachin Ravindra became one of the 13 cricketers to be released by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise for the IPL 2026 season. Desperate to find a new home just days prior to the IPL 2026 auction, the cricketer carved a huge statement at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch after his CSK omission.
Batting at number four for New Zealand on Day 3 of the series-opening first Test against West Indies, Rachin Ravindra smeared 176 runs from just 185 balls with 27 fours and a huge six. Switching to One-Day mode, the left-hander maintained a staggering strike rate of 95.13 in his innings, as New Zealand scored runs at 4.38 an over while reaching 417-4 in 95 overs.
Captain Tom Latham also composed 145 at the top off 250 balls as New Zealand’s lead swelled to 481 runs by stumps on Day 3. Earlier in the match, New Zealand escaped with a 64-run first innings lead courtesy of a sensational five-wicket haul from Jacob Duffy.
Nonetheless, with Rachin Ravindra going big for New Zealand in their opening World Test Championship (WTC) fixture, a match which also coincided with the hype of pre-IPL 2026 auction, it remains to be seen if the left-hander managed to turn this timely masterclass into a bidding war at the auction table.
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