Rachin Ravindra returns home early from IPL 2026 ahead of New Zealand's Test tours
New Delhi, May 23
Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is returning home early from the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season.
Ravindra revealed that KKR were supportive and understanding of his decision to head back home early for a short refresh ahead of New Zealand's upcoming Test tours of Ireland and England.
Ravindra felt it was the right time to take a short mental and physical refresh before what is expected to be a long stretch away from home until late August.
"I mean, KKR were very welcoming and understanding of the situation. Obviously, the way it was going, I wasn't playing. The decision was spoken to the CEO and the coach about potentially coming home for a refresh, and obviously, not knowing I'd be home until... Well, I wouldn't be home until late August because of what's to come," Ravindra said as per ESPNcricinfo.
Before facing England in three Tests, New Zealand will meet Ireland in a one-off, four-day Test against Ireland from May 27 to May 30. The Test is not part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Ravindra also expressed gratitude to KKR for allowing him to return home early and recharge ahead of New Zealand's upcoming tours of Ireland and England.
Ravindra said the short break has been refreshing both mentally and physically, especially after spending long periods away from home, and added that the decision became easier since he was not getting game time in the IPL.
"So, really awesome from them to be able to say, go home, refresh, do a bit of training and what you need before joining the boys in Ireland. Because there was always going to be a little bit of an overlap. It made it easier since I wasn't playing. It's a great little refresh. We spend so much time away from home, and even four or five days at home, which I've had, is fantastic," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian cricket fan, I fully support players managing their workload. IPL is grueling and we can't expect every overseas player to grind through without breaks when they're not even playing. Rachin is a talented lad and he'll come back stronger for NZ. Well handled by all parties.
Makes total sense! Why sit on the bench in IPL when you can rest and prepare for important Test matches? KKR didn't use him much anyway. This is smart load management. I just hope our Indian players learn to speak up like this too - too many of them play through fatigue and get injured. Respect to Rachin! 👏
Good for him but this also highlights the hectic cricket calendar. Players are constantly traveling - IPL, then international tours, then more franchise leagues. Something needs to change at the ICC level. Anyway, all the best to Rachin for the Ireland and England Tests. Hope he gets some match practice before the big series!
Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed that KKR paid crores for him and now he's leaving early. But I know IPL is a business and they have backups. Still, as a fan, it's tough to see overseas players treat IPL like a secondary option. But I also understand his perspective - Test cricket for your country should come first. 🤔
Excellent move by both the player and franchise. This is the kind of professional approach we need more of in cricket. Rachin understands his priorities - international duty always comes first. KKR showing class by respecting that. He'll be fresh and ready for a tough Test
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