Overview
- Ravindra did not play a single match for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 and was allowed to fly home before the tournament ended to prepare for national duty.
- He described KKR as ‘‘very welcoming and understanding’’ and said the franchise agreed to the early release to let him refresh and train ahead of the Test schedule.
- Ravindra used a short break in Christchurch for grass‑net sessions and said he does not feel undercooked for the red‑ball assignments that follow.
- He credited informal mentorship at KKR — including conversations with Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane and advice from coaches Abhishek Nayar and Shane Watson — for sharpening his tactical approach to Test batting.
- Ravindra will join New Zealand for the one‑off Test in Belfast starting May 27 and the three‑Test tour of England that begins at Lord’s on June 4, a run that highlights how franchises can balance player workload with international commitments.