Once again there has been a big discussion in the world of IPL and this time the discussion is about KL Rahul. Even though the final retention list came out on November 15, the discussion about KL Rahul’s future is far from ending.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman is strongly expected to move from Delhi Capitals (DC) to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, and the excitement around this possible change is only growing.
KKR refuses to release KL Rahul despite announcing IPL 2026 retention
Rahul recently played the India-South Africa Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and many believe that this could soon become his new IPL home ground. Reports suggest that even though the retention has already been announced, the chances of Rahul joining KKR are still very high.
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As per a report by RevSportz journalist Rohit Juglan, Kolkata Knight Riders are still very interested in KL Rahul, given his multifaceted role and leadership experience. He revealed that one of the Delhi Capitals owners was not ready to release the right-handed batsman, but sources say that the discussions are not over yet.
The journalist reported that the door had not been closed; “The move is still possible, as KKR are still trying hard” to bring Rahul on board ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. A final decision can be taken within a week and there is every possibility that Rahul may join the KKR team.
KL Rahul shines for DC; KKR is eyeing him as their next captain
Rahul was one of the most expensively bought players in the IPL 2025 auction, bought by DC for a whopping ₹14 crore. He lived up to the price tag by becoming their highest run-scorer with 539 runs at an impressive strike rate of almost 150. But even after a great start to the season, the Capitals failed to reach the IPL 2025 playoffs, leaving many fans disappointed.
When the Delhi franchise signed Rahul in the mega auction, many thought that Rahul would be handed the captaincy of DC, but the team handed over the leadership to Axar Patel in his place. On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane led the team in KKR last season after Shreyas Iyer moved to Punjab Kings (PBKS).
If Rahul joins the Kolkata franchise, he could become their new captain and help guide the completely revamped setup. KKR has already made some major changes in its coaching staff. Abhishek Nair has taken over as the new head coach, while Shane Watson has joined the three-time champions as the assistant coach, and Tim Southee has joined the team as the bowling coach.
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KL Rahul is gearing up for the Guwahati Test
Currently, Rahul is preparing for the second and final Test between India and South Africa starting from November 22 in Guwahati. The Proteas team is currently leading 1-0 in the series. Due to neck spasm of Shubman Gill, Rahul is expected to captain India in the upcoming ODI series also.
It is also impossible for Gill to play in the Guwahati Test. The Indian team is currently training at the Eden Gardens, and they are expected to leave for Guwahati on Wednesday, November 19.