The IPL 2026 trade season is already gaining momentum as franchises look to improve their squads ahead of the upcoming mini auction. Amid rumors of trade talks, three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders are reportedly keen to acquire wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul for the upcoming season.
The IPL trade window is currently open and will remain active until a week before the 2026 player auction. Speculation about major trades emerge almost every day, but no deals have been officially confirmed. Rumors are rife among cricket fans due to trades and possible big releases of high-profile players.
WATCH: KKR plot to oust ruthless Andre Russell to sign KL Rahul
TOI journalist Sahil Malhotra reports that Kolkata Knight Riders are interested in bringing KL Rahul on board. Rahul can contribute to the team as a top-order wicketkeeper and captain. Sahil said that he has also considered letting Andre Russell go to seal the deal.
“I have heard Andre Russell’s name mentioned because KKR are so keen to acquire KL Rahul as their top-order wicketkeeper and captaincy option that they were even willing to consider dropping Andre Russell from the team, knowing that they cannot afford to miss this opportunity.”
Breaking
KKR is very keen to get KL Rahul as their top-order batsman, wicketkeeper and captaincy material.
-For this they are ready to drop Andre Russell from the team.– Sahil Malhotra (TOI) pic.twitter.com/6fHlJBuxj1
– KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) 17 October 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders had a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign
Kolkata Knight Riders faced a disappointing campaign in IPL 2025, finishing eighth on the points table with only five wins from 14 matches. The franchise is reportedly planning to make major changes in its team ahead of the auction.
Andre Russell has been with KKR for over a decade. However, his recent performances have not lived up to his past reputation. In IPL 2025, the 37-year-old could score only 167 runs at an average of 18.57 and took eight wickets at an economy rate of 11.94.
Considering his form, fitness and consistency, KKR may face a tough decision about retaining him. Despite being retained for ₹12 crore ahead of IPL 2025, Russell’s waning influence may prompt the management to opt for practicality rather than sentimentality ahead of the 2026 auction.
KL Rahul’s performance for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025
KL Rahul enjoyed one of his best IPL seasons in 2025 after joining Delhi Capitals (DC). The stylish right-handed batsman scored 539 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 149.72, his best performance since 2018, which included a century and three half-centuries.
The 33-year-old also became the fastest batsman to score 5,000 runs in the IPL. During his career, Rahul has scored 5,222 runs in 145 IPL matches at an impressive average of 46.21 and strike rate of 136.03, which includes five centuries and 40 fifties to his name.
Before joining Delhi, Rahul captained Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for three seasons but was released before the 2025 mega auction. He reestablished his role in the batting order for Delhi, displaying flexibility.
Rahul has represented India in 72 T20Is, scoring 2,265 runs at a strike rate of 139.12 with two centuries and 22 fifties. He last played for India in the shortest format during the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England.
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