The buzz ahead of the IPL mini-auction is all about KL Rahul, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showing keen interest in acquiring the talented wicketkeeper-batter. However, his current team, Delhi Capitals (DC), is making the deal difficult by insisting on a player of comparable stature in return. This demand has become a major sticking point. Interestingly, DC is also reportedly close to finalizing a separate player swap involving Sanju Samson, Tristan Stubbs, and an uncapped Indian player.
KL Rahul scored 539 runs in 13 matches for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. (Image: PTI)
The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction is generating considerable excitement, especially concerning potential player trades. At the heart of current discussions are the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), whose behind-the-scenes negotiations are drawing significant attention. The spotlight is firmly on KL Rahul, the highly sought-after wicketkeeper-batter. KKR is actively pursuing Rahul, viewing him as a potential captain and a crucial top-order batsman for their squad.
Despite several informal meetings between KKR’s leadership and Rahul, progress on this high-profile trade deal with DC has been minimal. The primary obstacle appears to be KKR’s limited pool of ‘tradable assets’ that would entice DC to part ways with their key player from last season. Sources indicate that DC has put forward at least three different trade proposals, none of which KKR has found agreeable.
These proposals included a direct swap involving veteran spinner Sunil Narine; another suggesting a combination of promising youngsters Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh; and most recently, a package deal featuring Harshit Rana and Raghuvanshi. DC’s position remains firm: if KKR desires their marquee player, they must offer a player of comparable standing in return.
IPL Trade: Sanju Samson to Delhi Capitals all but confirmed; the latest on KL Rahul-KKR talks.
Since Abhishek Nayar officially took over as KKR’s head coach, numerous trade possibilities have been explored, yet a breakthrough remains elusive. Nayar shares a long-standing association with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, having personally mentored him. It’s no surprise, then, that DC has shown interest in Raghuvanshi, especially given his status as a JSW Sports (co-owners of DC) athlete who has been on their radar for some time.
The KKR management is hesitant to part with Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana, considering them integral ‘homegrown’ talents with long-term potential for the team. This leaves no viable solution on the table for the KL Rahul trade. Meanwhile, DC is nearing a finalized swap deal that would bring Sanju Samson, Tristan Stubbs, and an uncapped Indian player into their squad. This impending deal raises questions about how DC will manage their team dynamics moving forward.
Having both Rahul and Samson in the same lineup would undoubtedly boost DC’s brand appeal, but it also presents a significant tactical dilemma for their Playing XI. The main challenge revolves around their batting positions. Who would open alongside Abhishek Porel? Would Samson be willing to bat at number three, a role he might not prefer? Or would Rahul be moved back to the middle order, a position where he struggled to find his rhythm last season?
Kolkata Knight Riders are eager to bring KL Rahul into their team, but the trade is currently stalled due to Delhi Capitals’ demand for a player of equal caliber in return. (Image: PTI)
These are critical questions the DC think-tank must address. If KKR remains unwilling to release players they value highly, DC could face considerable challenges this season. KKR also faces its own set of problems. Last season, Ajinkya Rahane served as captain, but at 37 and out of favor, he can no longer be considered the franchise’s long-term leader.
With limited leadership options expected in the upcoming auction pool, acquiring Rahul through a trade was KKR’s most promising path, explaining their strong desire to bring him on board. After a less-than-ideal performance last season, the three-time IPL champions are keen to solidify their leadership structure and find a clear direction for the upcoming cycle.