Rachin Ravindra Leaves KKR

Not Injury, KKR Batter Returns Home Midway Through IPL Due To This Reason

Sportsdunia Desk

Modified - May 15, 2026, 10:40 AM

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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have faced a massive blow as in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise has a very slim chance of making it into the playoffs but they have still been playing quality cricket since the last few games.

With just a few games left for them in IPL 2026, their star batter Rachin Ravindra has left the side. This made the KKR fans wonder why Rachin Ravindra left KKR during this point. The Kiwi opener will be heading back home to prepare for the upcoming Test series against England, which will begin in June.

Rachin Ravindra Leaves KKR Squad

The development of Rachin Ravindra leaving Kolkata Knight Riders amid IPL 2026 was confirmed by the franchise itself. They released an official video in which the players were seen bidding a goodbye to the New Zealand opener.

They posted the video with caption: “Best wishes from the Knights as Rachin heads home to prepare for national duty,” KKR posted the video on X (formerly Twitter).

Being one of the best batsmen in the world, Rachin Ravindra was earlier expected to play a role for KKR in IPL 2026. However, he warmed the bench in all the games with management not trusting him. The franchise started with Finn Allen at the top but dropped him after a few outings.

After dropping Allen, they brought in Tim Seifert at the top but the move didn’t pay off as he too failed. It was then expected that they would try Rachin Ravindra at the top but that didn’t happen as Allen was again given the preference and he also repaid the faith.

As a result, Rachin Ravindra IPL 2026 season didn't begin. He will now be practicing for the Test series against England. The two teams will be up against each other in a three-match series, beginning from June 4 at Lord’s in London.

KKR On The Verge of Elimination in IPL 2026

Despite being one of the best teams in IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders, are only mathematically alive in IPL 2026. They have three more games left in the league and they need to win all of them to stand a chance to reach the playoffs, which is seeing as many as eight teams in contention.

KKR are currently sitting at the 8th spot with 9 wins in the IPL points table and if they win three games, they will reach 15 points. This won't be enough as they need the other results to go their way.