The IPL 2026 commercial season is already gaining momentum as franchises look to fine-tune their squads ahead of the next mini-auction. Among rumors in the trade talks, three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders are reportedly keen on acquiring 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 deals emerges almost every day, but no deal has been officially confirmed. High-profile player trades and potential big exits are keeping cricket fans abuzz with rumors.
Watch: KKR plots Andre Russell’s abrupt exit to sign KL Rahul
TOI reporter Sahil Malhotra reported that Kolkata Knight Riders are interested in bringing in KL Rahul. Rahul can contribute to the team as a top-order wicketkeeper and captain. Sahil said they even considered letting go of Andre Russell to complete the deal.
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“I heard Andre Russell’s name mentioned because KKR is so keen to acquire KL Rahul as a top-class wicketkeeper and captaincy option that they were even willing to consider pushing Andre Russell out of the team, knowing that they couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity.
🚨BREAKING 🚨
KKR is so desperate to have KL Rahul as a top order batsman, wicketkeeper and captain.
-For this, they are ready to move Andre Russell out of the team.-Sahil Malhotra (TOI) pic.twitter.com/6fHlJBuxj1
– KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) October 17, 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders endured a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign
Kolkata Knight Riders had a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, finishing eighth in the points table with just five wins from 14 matches. The franchise is reportedly planning key changes to 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 managed just 167 runs at an average of 18.57 and took eight wickets at an economy rate of 11.94.
Given his form, fitness and consistency, KKR could face a tough decision on whether to stay or not. Although he was retained for ₹12 crore ahead of IPL 2025, Russell’s waning impact may prompt the management to make a practical choice rather than a sentimental one ahead of the 2026 auction.
KL Rahul Performances for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025
KL Rahul had one of his finest IPL seasons in 2025 after joining Delhi Capitals (DC). The stylish right-hander amassed 539 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 149.72, his best since 2018, including one century and three half-centuries.
The 33-year-old also became the fastest batter to reach 5,000 IPL runs. 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, with five centuries and 40 fifties to his name.
Before joining Delhi, Rahul captained Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for three seasons but was released ahead of the mega auction of 2025. He reinvented his role, showing flexibility in Delhi’s batting order.
Rahul 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 in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final against England.
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