After the KL Rahul deal reportedly fell through, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are all set to bring in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Rahul Tripathi into the squad for the upcoming IPL 2026. Recently, the three-time champions have shown interest in KL Rahul for a dual role.
But Delhi Capitals (DC) is not ready to trade KL Rahul, as Kolkata Knight Riders have not made any viable offer. After these rumors subsided, newly appointed KKR head coach Abhishek Nair reportedly went into “combat mode” after CSK planned to release Rahul Tripathi.
After the deal with KL Rahul failed, KKR targeted Rahul Tripathi!
The buzz started when Tripathi was seen enjoying the night with Nair at a private party. The photo quickly went viral, showing the two laughing and relaxed at KKR’s pre-season training camp and weeks before the retention deadline on November 5.
Rahul Tripathi was seen partying with KKR head coach Abhishek Nair. pic.twitter.com/TtQ2h04c9v
– KnightridersXtra (@KKR_Xtra) 4 November 2025
KKR reject DC’s triple offer for KL Rahul in high-stakes IPL deal
Well, the IPL trade window has heated up with both sides KKR and DC being adamant on their star players. The talks, which began with high expectations, reportedly stalled when Kolkata refused to agree to any of the three proposals put forward by the DC.
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Delhi reportedly made several offers in an attempt to lure KKR into a deal. The discussion reportedly started with a direct exchange between KL Rahul and Sunil Narine. When that didn’t work, DC tried a two-player interchange combination: one consisting of Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh, and the other consisting of Harshit Rana and Raghuvanshi.
But KKR has made its stand clear. The franchise considers Rinku and Harshit important to its long-term plans and does not want to part with them at any cost.
On the other hand, DC is still trying to bring in young Raghuvanshi, who is also associated with JSW Sports, and that makes him an attractive addition to their setup.
Additionally, DC is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Rajasthan Royals for Sanju Samson in exchange for Tristan Stubbs and an uncapped Indian player. However, things could get complicated if Rahul is untraded, as both Samson and Rahul are specialist wicketkeepers.
After being dropped as captain by Lucknow Super Giants last season, KL Rahul was bought by Delhi for a hefty price of ₹14 crore, but he was not handed the leadership responsibility. However, KKR is eyeing him as a potential captain for the new season, but DC’s demands have put the move on hold.
CSK have dropped Sam Curran, Devon Conway and Rahul Tripathi after two consecutive IPL failures
On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings are reportedly planning a major reshuffle. According to reports, the franchise is seriously considering releasing several key players, including Sam Curran, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi and Devon Conway.
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The CSK management is believed to be focused on building a younger and more dynamic team for the next season. MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings finished last in the IPL 2025 season. They have failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last 2 IPL seasons.