IPL Auction 2026: Rachin Ravindra sold to KKR for Rs 2 crore in a steal deal

IPL Auction: Rachin Ravindra, with a base price of ₹2 crore, went unsold at the 2026 IPL auction in Abu Dhabi in he first round, shocking cricket fans.

However, once he was back in the unsold auction pool, Kolkata Knight Riders raised the paddle soon and got him at his base price os Rs 2 crore. Many sees this as a steal deal as the New Zealand all-rounder has emerged as a mainstay of the national side with both batting and bowling skills. Rachin Ravindra an also be a great back-up option for Sunil Narine if he is injured.

Chennai Super Kings had released Rachin Ravindra in the build-up to the IPL 2026 auction cycle.


Ravindra is a modern T20 batter who combines fearless intent with composure and adaptability. Ravindra’s ability to attack in the powerplay, rotate strike through the middle overs, and switch gears against both pace and spin made him a valuable asset at the top of the order.

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Rachin Ravindra began his Indian Premier League career when Chennai Super Kings bought him for ₹1.8 crore at the IPL 2024 auction, a significant sum for a young overseas talent making his first entry into the league. He made his IPL debut in 2024 and quickly showed his attacking potential, scoring 222 runs in 10 matches at a brisk pace, including impactful innings that highlighted his ability to take on bowlers early in the game.

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Recognising his talent, CSK then used their Right-to-Match card to re-acquire him for ₹4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season, underscoring the franchise’s belief in his skills and versatility.

Across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Ravindra played 18 matches and scored over 400 runs, showcasing his left-handed batting flair and fielding ability, with a highest score of 65*.

His progression from a relatively modest auction price to commanding a significantly higher bid reflects the growing demand for dynamic, top-order T20 batters in the IPL format.

Rachin Ravindra’s bowling has played a limited role in his IPL career, with teams primarily backing him for his top-order batting ability rather than as a frontline bowling option. Across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the left-arm orthodox spinner was used only occasionally, often as a part-time or match-up bowler, and did not pick up any wickets.

His bowling spells were typically short and situational, reflecting team strategies that leaned on specialist bowlers instead.