IPL 2026: Did CSK make a mistake by releasing Rachin Ravindra?

Rachin Ravindra spent two seasons at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but couldn't do justice to his potential. He was roped in by the five-time champions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mega-auction for INR 1.8 crore. This was after he burst onto the scene during the 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing as the fourth-highest run-getter at the age of just 23.

The southpaw had a dismal outing, scoring 222 runs in 10 innings at an average of 22.20. However, he scored his runs at a strike rate of 160.87. CSK kept faith in his abilities, using the RTM card to retain him for INR 4 crore for the 2025 season.

However, Ravindra once again failed to make it count, scoring just 191 runs in eight matches at an average of 27.29 and a strike rate of 128.19. CSK finally lost their patience and released him ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Will it cost CSK big time by releasing Rachin Ravindra ?

Releasing Ravindra has freed up INR 4 crore from CSK's purse. Is this a good move? With the emergence of Ayush Mhatre midway through the season, CSK found themselves a talented batter who could go after the bowlers from the outset. Ravindra, who opened the batting for the former champions, was left out of the side and replaced by middle-order batter Dewald Brevis. The South African batting prodigy played some fantastic knocks after his arrival.

Ruturaj Gaikwad missed most parts of last season after getting injured. He will return to the side and take a spot in the top-order alongside Mhatre. Another batter who seems set to bat in the top order is Sanju Samson, who has been traded to CSK by Rajasthan Royals. Therefore, with an Indian top order already set and Brevis playing as the overseas batter in the middle, Ravindra would have had to spend most of the time on the bench.

If CSK want to pick a backup for Brevis, they could consider the likes of Liam Livingstone or Glenn Maxwell, who are not only renowned middle-order hitters but also underrated spinners.