With the IPL 2026 season approaching, trade rumors are heating up—and one name is creating major buzz. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are reportedly showing interest in acquiring Indian star KL Rahul in a high-profile trade. If finalized, this move could shake up the league dynamics and redefine both teams’ strategies. Here’s what we know so far about the potential blockbuster deal and what it means for KKR, Rahul, and the IPL landscape.
Rahul was bought by Delhi Capitals (DC) last season for INR 14 crore and ended the season with 539 runs – the most for his team – at a strike rate of 149.72.
According to the same report, the KKR management are believed to have reached out to the player enquiring about the possibility of him switching. “However, the deal is unlikely to work out as KKR don’t have anybody they can trade to the Delhi Capitals in return,” the source said.
Another reason why KKR are confident of getting Rahul in is his equation with Abhishek Nayar, with whom he spent plenty of time during the latter’s time as India’s assistant coach.
“I’ve worked really hard on my white-ball game the last year or so. Big shoutout to Abhishek Nayar. I’ve worked a lot with him ever since he’s come into the Indian team. We’ve spent hours and hours together talking about my white-ball game and how I can be better. We worked hours and hours together in Bombay, and somewhere I have found the fun playing white-ball cricket,” Rahul had said during the IPL.
Ajinkya Rahane led KKR last season, and they finished eighth in the points table, winning just five matches. They let go of Shreyas Iyer, who led them to the title in 2024.
Rahul’s terrific form in England
He is currently the second-highest run-scorer for India in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. In the four games against England so far, the dynamic batter has played as an opener for the Indian team, scoring two magnificent centuries and a couple of half-centuries as well. He has scored 511 runs in eight innings at an average of 63.87. He will certainly look to end his tour to the United Kingdom on a high, with the fifth and final Test of the series underway at the Kennington Oval in London.
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