3 reasons why CSK must not release Rachin Ravindra ahead of IPL 2026 retention deadline

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are among the few franchises pondering a major overhaul after a forgettable IPL 2025 season. With the IPL 2026 retention deadline fast approaching, the five-time champions could do away with several high-profile names.

CSK finished at the bottom of the standings for the first time in franchise history last season. Among many disappointments, central was the poor returns of New Zealand sensation Rachin Ravindra.

CSK bought the 25-year-old back using their Right-To-Match (RTM) card at the 2025 auction for ₹ 4 crores. Ravindra was first acquired by the franchise ahead of the 2024 season.

Yet, the left-hander has disappointed with the bat in both his seasons with CSK, averaging under 25 at a strike rate of 143.90 in 18 games. The Kiwi star has also bowled only two overs across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. However, despite the mediocre numbers and the franchise's urge to revamp its roster, Ravindra's presence could be beneficial.

On that note, here are three key reasons why CSK must hold on to Rachin Ravindra ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline.

#1 Ravindra is the rare 'Jack of all trades' in a one-dimensional batting lineup

CSK's batting often lacked versatility and creativity from top to middle in IPL 2025 [Credit: Getty]

One of CSK's ailing issues over the last couple of IPL seasons has been the absence of multi-dimensional and versatile cricketers. Some of their sure-starters, like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni, play only specific roles with the bat at this stage of their respective careers.

While a Dube can torment the spinners in the middle overs, his power-hitting against pacers in the end remains suspect. The reverse has been the case with Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, among others.

However, Ravindra, despite his struggles in the IPL and T20Is, has the experience of batting across positions. In his 38-game T20I career, the southpaw has batted in six out of the top eight positions in the batting order.

Apart from opening the batting in nine innings, Ravindra has batted at No.3 14 times and on 11 occasions from No. 6 to 8. Furthermore, there is enough evidence about his ability to be destructive against pace and spin at all stages in a white-ball game, given his remarkable ODI record.

The young left-hander averages over 43 at a strike rate of almost 109 with five centuries in 43 ODIs. Like T20Is, Ravindra has batted in multiple positions from the top to middle-order in the 50-over format and in Test cricket.

CSK would be well-served to resist releasing the New Zealand star, given his versatility, which will likely help in team balance next season.

#2 Letting go of potential 'Best-is-yet-to-come' players has historically stung franchises

Some of the most accomplished IPL batters from overseas teams have first been discarded by a franchise or two. Arguably the greatest foreign batter of the IPL, AB de Villiers, was let go by the then-Delhi Daredevils ahead of the 2011 season, and the rest has been history.

Similarly, destructive forces like Heinrich Klaasen, Nicholas Pooran, and Travis Head, among others, have been prematurely released by several franchises before they came back to haunt them.

Rachin Ravindra, if his early international career is anything to go by, is almost destined to become an IPL superstar. Ravindra has also already showcased his ability to thrive on Indian pitches in international cricket, with his average of 49.66 in 21 innings across formats.

It would be a cardinal sin for the ages for a franchise like CSK, big on loyalty and patience with players, to so easily give up on such a young and blossoming talent.

#3 Adieu to the legendary 'Ravi duo' forces CSK's retention of the younger 'Ravi'

CSK may have played one spinner too many in their lineup for most of the 2025 season, with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad. Yet, with Ashwin's IPL retirement and Jadeja's almost-certain departure through trade, the spin-bowling and all-rounder cupboard suddenly looks empty for the Men in Yellow.

It almost forces the franchise to invest in Rachin Ravindra, not just as a future batting superstar, but also as a batting all-rounder and a possible third spinner. The 25-year-old is no stranger to bowling in the shortest format, picking up 65 wickets at an average of 22.21 and an economy of 7.29 in overall T20s.

He also boasts 62 first-class and 36 List-A scalps, along with 45 international wickets. The time might be right for CSK to utilize Ravindra's left-arm spin-bowling skill, starting next season, in the absence of their two stalwarts.

For that, they must ensure retaining the Kiwi all-rounder at his relative bargain price with the hope of him possibly filling in a small portion of the spin-bowling void, along with his ever-improving batting.

Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran