New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has said his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, despite not featuring in a single match, proved valuable in preparing him for upcoming Test assignments against Ireland and England.
Ravindra was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad during the 2026 IPL season but did not get an opportunity to play in the tournament. The left-handed batter was subsequently allowed to return home early ahead of New Zealand’s Test commitments, which begin with a one-off match against Ireland in Belfast on May 27, followed by a three-Test series against England starting at Lord’s on June 4.
Despite his limited on-field involvement in the IPL, Ravindra stressed that the experience of being around senior professionals and elite coaching staff contributed significantly to his development. He highlighted the value of training alongside experienced international cricketers and absorbing insights from players with extensive red-ball experience in varied conditions.
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Ravindra specifically pointed to discussions with Ajinkya Rahane, noting the KKR captain’s extensive experience in overseas Test cricket, including performances in England and Australia. He also credited batting coach Abhishek Nayar for his technical input, referencing his previous experience working within India’s national setup and his role in refining batting approaches.
In addition, Ravindra mentioned interactions with senior Indian international players, including Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, saying conversations around batting preparation and long-format strategy offered him valuable perspectives that go beyond the T20 format of the IPL.
He further acknowledged the supportive environment within the KKR setup, noting that the franchise management understood his national commitments and facilitated his early release. Ravindra added that exposure to different coaching philosophies and match situations, even without playing, contributed to his readiness for the upcoming Test tour, particularly in challenging English conditions.
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