In a significant development, there is an important squad update regarding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad and New Zealand star player Rachin Ravindra. KKR are currently placed eighth in the IPL 2026 points table with 9 points from 11 matches.
Their season started in disastrous fashion as they lost five consecutive matches and also suffered a washout early in the campaign against Punjab Kings. At one stage, the 2024 champions were sitting at the bottom of the table with almost no hopes of qualification.
However, KKR made a strong comeback with four straight victories against Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants in a super over thriller, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals.
Their winning momentum was finally stopped after a six-wicket defeat to RCB on May 13.
Rachin Ravindra returns home for Test preparations
The left-handed batter, Rachin Ravindra, has left the KKR camp midway through the tournament and returned home to begin preparations for New Zealand's upcoming Test series against England.
According to reports shared by journalist Subhayan Chakraborty of RevSportz, Rachin Ravindra's departure is not injury-related. The New Zealand star has returned home purely to focus on red-ball cricket ahead of New Zealand's important Test tour of England 2026.
It is vital to note that the England will host New Zealand just after the conclusion of IPL 2026. The series will comprise three Test matches. The first Test match of the much-awaited series will start on June 4 and will be played at the Lord's Cricket Ground, London.
It is important to mention that Rachin Ravindra has not played a single game for the Kolkata-based franchise in the IPL 2026. He was just a backup batting all-rounder option for the franchise.
However, he has previously played in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings in 2025. The star player has played 18 IPL matches and scored 413 runs at an average of 24.29 and a strike rate of 143.90.
Ahead of the IPL 2026, KKR acquired the services of Rachin Ravindra at the base price of ₹2 crore. He initially went unsold in the opening round; however, he was picked up by Kolkata from the secondary pool.
Who will KKR face next in the IPL 2026?
Kolkata Knight Riders will next face Gujarat Titans on May 16 in match 60 of the IPL 2026. The game will be played at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Taking a look at the KKR's schedule of the remaining matches, the team will play three more games and all the fixtures are scheduled at home, giving an advantage to the team at this stage of the tournament.
KKR Player Leaves IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
