The five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had their worst season in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. For the first time in the history of the IPL, CSK finished at the 10th position in the points table with just four wins and 10 losses in their 14 league stage matches. Inconsistent performances from both batters and bowlers was the main reason for CSK’s poor show in IPL 2025.
Talking about their batting, CSK registered one of the worst performances as none of their key batters could make an impact throughout the season and failed to accelerate the innings in the middle-order. Star New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra also wasn’t much impressive as an opening batter. The left-hander joined the franchise ahead of IPL 2024 and went on to amass 222 runs from 10 matches at a strike rate of 160.86 in that season. However, he couldn’t continue the same form in IPL 2025 as he amassed 191 runs in eight matches at an underwhelming strike rate of 128.18.
Looking at his numbers in IPL 2025, CSK are unlikely to go ahead with Rachin Ravindra in the next edition and might also trade him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. If CSK release or trade, there are several franchises who can show interest for the young Kiwi batter, looking at his numbers.
Let’s have a look at the top three franchises which might show their interest in Rachin Ravindra if CSK trades him ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Delhi Capitals
One of the franchises who are likely to approach Rachin Ravindra for IPL 2026 could be Delhi Capitals. There are also reports coming that CSK are likely to trade Ravindra in exchange for Donovan Ferreira from DC. So it is more likely to be a player-to-player deal instead of all-cash deal. Although there isn’t any confirmation regarding this trade but it can be a good move from DC if they take Rachin in their squad for IPL 2026. DC might be looking for a stable opening batter with Faf du Plessis and Rachin can turn out to be good pick for them for the 19th season.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders can also bid for Rachin Ravindra in the IPL 2026 auction or get him in their squad earlier via trade deal with CSK. KKR couldn’t get much from their opening batters along with Sunil Narine in IPL 2025. It looked like the KKR missed Phil Salt in their line-up who played a crucial role in their 2024 triumph as an opening batter and also made a great pair with Sunil Narine. By adding Rachin Ravindra in their squad for IPL 2026, KKR will be looking to get a destructive opening pair again in the next season. Rachin and Sunil Narine can form a good opening pair and KKR can also make good use of him as a handy spin bowler.
Mumbai Indians
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians can also show their interest to add Rachin Ravindra in their squad via a trade deal with CSK or make a bid for him in the IPL 2026 mini auction. If MI approach Ravindra from CSK for IPL 2026, they might also trade Ryan Rickelton to CSK in order to have the Kiwi batter in their squad and it is likely to be a player-to-player deal. Rachin can form a great opening pair with Rohit Sharma as both the batters are known for their fiery and attacking batting style. Rachin’s inclusion will make already strong batting lineup of MI looking like a formidable side in IPL 2026.
