Ravindra Enjoys ‘Great Refresh’ After Early IPL Exit Ahead of England Tour

Rachin Ravindra says returning home to New Zealand after an early exit from the IPL has provided the perfect mental and physical reset before the national team’s upcoming Test tour of Ireland and England.

The New Zealand all-rounder left his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders before the end of the 2026 season after spending most of the campaign on the sidelines. Ravindra revealed the decision was made in consultation with the franchise management and coaching staff.

“KKR were very understanding of the situation,” Ravindra said before departing for Ireland. “The way things were going, I wasn’t playing, so we discussed the possibility of going home for a refresh before joining the team in Ireland.”

The 26-year-old explained that with New Zealand’s packed international schedule ahead, he would otherwise not have returned home until late August.

“Even four or five days at home is fantastic,” he said. “We spend so much time away from home, so it was a great little refresh.”

Despite not featuring regularly in the IPL, Ravindra believes the experience still helped him prepare for red-ball cricket.

“I don’t feel too out of match practice,” he said. “Training in the IPL environment and speaking with experienced players has been hugely valuable.”

Ravindra highlighted conversations with senior international cricketers including Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, as well as guidance from batting coach Shane Watson and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.

“Being in the IPL is more than just T20 cricket,” Ravindra said. “You get to learn from players who have succeeded in England and overseas conditions.”

New Zealand are set to travel with a pace-heavy squad for the UK tour, with towering fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke expected to play key roles alongside Matt Henry, Ben Sears and Blair Tickner.

Ravindra expressed excitement about the depth in New Zealand’s fast-bowling department, praising O’Rourke’s recent performances against England and Zimbabwe.

“Truly exciting times for New Zealand cricket,” he said. “We’ve got so much depth.”

With no specialist spinner included in the squad, Ravindra is also prepared to contribute with his left-arm spin alongside Glenn Phillips. Ravindra enjoyed a successful campaign with the ball during New Zealand’s run to the 2026 T20 World Cup final, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets.

“Test cricket is a different challenge,” he admitted. “You have to be more consistent with the red ball, but I’m definitely working on my bowling more.”

Before beginning their three-Test series against England cricket team, New Zealand will face Ireland cricket team in a one-off four-day Test from May 27 to May 30.

Although the match is outside the World Test Championship cycle and Ireland are dealing with injuries to key players, Ravindra insisted New Zealand would not underestimate their opponents.

“You can’t take any team lightly,” he said. “Ireland are a Test-playing nation with quality cricketers, and it will be a great lead-in to the England series.”