Here are three franchises that could shoot up the bidding for him:

New Zealand’s all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is one of the hottest prospects ahead of the upcoming mini-auction for IPL 2026 . Having spent two seasons with Chennai Super Kings, he has gained valuable exposure of playing in the league and is primed to bag a big pay check come the D-day. While his numbers in the league are not staggering, Ravindra is the kind of player T20 MVPs are made of: he is an aggressive left-handed opener capable of adding variety to a batting order, and double downs as a nifty spinner who could give his captain a fifth or sixth bowling option if the need arises. With IPL teams looking for multi-dimensional talents who could contribute in more facets than one, Ravindra ticks each box that a franchise could ask for. Here are three franchises that could shoot up the bidding for him: 1. Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the likeliest contenders to chase Ravindra. Their top order faltered in 2025, with Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz unable to give consistent starts, exposing the middle-order too early into the game and putting burden on the batting line-up. Even though KKR have promising talents in the mix, they are in the need of an able aggressor at the top, having released both de Kock and Gurbaz ahead of the auction. Ravindra’s proven credentials as an opener and the ability to slot at No. 3 will give KKR the necessary flexibility and freedom, with his left-arm spin only adding to the overall value he brings to the table. 2. Rajasthan Royals Inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals are one of the other teams that will eye Ravindra as a perfect match for their needs. The Royals have a Sanju Samson-sized void to fill, having traded their long-standing talisman to CSK in exchange of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. While those two additions add depth, flair and variety to their unit, neither Jadeja nor Curran are a like-for-like replacement of Samson, especially with the bat. While the young pair of Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal offer aplenty at the top, the Royals will need someone who possesses the potential to mix caution and aggression in equal measure at No 3. Ravindra fits that bill perfectly as he possesses the ability to shift gears as per need and play percentage cricket if such a need arises. 3. Chennai Super Kings: CSK may have released Ravindra but it will not be surprising to see them reacquire the all-rounder for a fairer price. Having spent two years at the franchise, Ravindra would be familiar with the environment and team dynamics. Moreover, CSK have historically backed players and not believed in wholesale changes to their lineup. With either Samson or youngster Ayush Mhatre expected to partner Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top, beefing up the middle-order with a reliable hitter will be a critical point to be addressed, and Ravindra’s calculated aggression makes him a suitable candidate to become the answer to that question.

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Here are three franchises that could shoot up the bidding for him: