With the 2025 edition of the IPL ending not too long ago, teams have already begun planning for the 2026 season. The Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the biggest names in the franchise, along with the Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians.
The Shah Rukh Khan co-owned franchise will want to challenge for the trophy once again. This will need a rebuild after their disastrous 2025 campaign, where they finished 8th. As reported by Gaurav Gupta, a reporter of The Times of India, KKR is looking to acquire KL Rahul via a trade deal.
What Is The Possible Deal Looking Like?
The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman is currently with the Delhi Capitals, bought during the 2025 Auction for ₹14 Cr. KKR is reportedly willing to offer the star captaincy if he decides to make the switch.
KKR is looking to trade Venkatesh Iyer to avail KL Rahul’s services. During the IPL 2025 Auction, KKR bought Venkatesh Iyer for a mammoth ₹23.75 Cr. In IPL 2025, Iyer scored only 142 runs in 11 matches, with an average of 20.29. It is possible that they will offer Iyer to bring Rahul to Eden Gardens.
However, DC is reportedly not interested in any players KKR may offer, so an all-cash deal is still probable. According to sources, KKR has offered KL Rahul a deal worth ₹25 crore. This would require KKR to offload some players first though.
Also read: Washington Sundar to CSK? 3 Teams That Could Trade for Indian All-Rounder Ahead of IPL 2026
How Will KL Rahul Help KKR
Shreyas Iyer captained KKR to the 2024 IPL title; however, since his departure, the franchise has struggled to replace his leadership. KL Rahul captained the Lucknow Supergiants for 3 seasons and could take over Ajinkya Rahane.
KL Rahul is also a prolific batsman. His consistent run scoring since the 2018 IPL season will definitely appeal to KKR. In the last 8 years, he scored 600+ runs in four seasons and 500+ runs in three. He can also take over Quinton de Kock as a wicket-keeper and opener.
Conclusion
The Kolkata Knight Riders will want to find their 2024 glory once again. This will require a complete restructuring of the franchise. The management has already parted ways with its head coach, Chandrakant Pandit, and bowling coach, Bharat Arun.
The squad also needs restructuring, and KL Rahul seems a smart direction to begin with. Doubts remain over the probability of this deal as KKR would need to present a really enticing offer to tempt DC.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
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