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Rachin Ravindra did not get a single match for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing IPL 2026, but the young New Zealand star still feels his time in India was very important for his career.
Before leaving India for New Zealand’s upcoming Test series against Ireland and England, Ravindra opened up about how much he learned during his stay with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2026.
Rachin Ravindra turns bench time into learning experience in IPL 2026
The New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was mostly seen supporting the team from the dugout and carrying drinks during matches this season. But instead of feeling disappointed, Rachin used that time to learn from some of the biggest and most experienced players around him.
One player who made a huge impact on him was KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane. Rachin said Rahane’s experience of playing Test cricket in England and Australia helped him understand a lot about batting in the tough overseas conditions.
The Kiwi batter also spent time with KKR coach Abhishek Nayar, who had earlier worked with the Indian team as assistant batting coach. Former Australian star Shane Watson was also part of the support staff and shared valuable advice with players during the season.
Ajinkya Rahane and Abhishek Nayar leave huge impact on Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo: "There are benefits to playing cricket and training. There are also massive benefits to being in the IPL too. I mean, you get to talk to someone like Ajinkya Rahane, who's a lovely man who's played so much cricket overseas, scored a hundred at Lord's and played so much cricket against England and Australia away.”
The youngster further added, “The coach [Abhishek Nayar] used to be the assistant batting coach for India. You got Shane Watson, who is our batting coach, who has played England a lot and coached a lot of guys who have played England.”
Kiwi star says IPL is more than just playing matches
Apart from that, Rachin Ravindra also got the chance to speak with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul during IPL matches, saying those conversations were a big learning experience for him before the busy Test season.
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Rachin admitted that the IPL is not only about playing matches, but also just being around top cricketers, watching how they prepare, and listening to their thoughts can teach many things.
He further noted, “So it's sort of, it's more than just the T20 as well. Being able to sit down and talk to Virat [Kohli] about batting or talking to KL Rahul—all these guys who've done well and had success over periods of time.”
Rachin Ravindra thanks KKR for allowing him to return home early before England tour
The New Zealand star also thanked KKR for understanding his situation and allowing him to return home early to refresh himself and spend some time with his family before the tough season begins.
Ravindra further explained, “I mean, KKR was very welcoming and understanding of the situation. I wouldn't be home until late August because of what's to come. So, it's really awesome from them to be able to say."
"Go home, refresh, do a bit of training, and do 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.”
He will now be seen in action during New Zealand’s one-off Test against Ireland starting on May 27 in Belfast. After that, the Kiwi side will travel to England for the high-profile three-match Test series, beginning from June 4 at Lord’s.
