4 Mega trades that could take place before IPL 2026 Auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction is just a few months away, and trade rumours are already heating up. Big names like Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Ravichandran Ashwin are reportedly in the mix for possible moves. Although the new season will kick off next summer, franchises have begun analysing their squads, identifying weaknesses, and exploring ways to strengthen ahead of the auction. Discussions around player retention, releases, and strategic signings are already shaping the build-up to what promises to be another thrilling IPL season.

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The league has witnessed major trade deals in the past, with Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans for INR 15 crore ahead of IPL 2024 being one of the most notable. Pandya’s move came after he led the Titans to their maiden title in 2022, their debut season. As the auction approaches, similar blockbuster trades could be on the horizon. Here’s a look at four high-profile player moves that might take place before the IPL 2026 auction begins. Lets look some of the eye catching trade;

Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals to CSK)

Reports indicate that Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson could be traded to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are looking for a successor to MS Dhoni. Samson offers leadership qualities and reliability as a wicketkeeper-batter. Potential trade options for CSK include Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Ravichandran Ashwin to balance the deal.

Samson has been associated with RR since 2013, except for the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the franchise was banned. Over the years, he has become one of their most consistent performers and a key figure in their setup. He recently shared his experiences of playing for the Jaipur-based team.

Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians to Delhi Capitals)

England all-rounder Will Jacks had a below-par IPL 2025 with Mumbai Indians (MI), scoring only 233 runs and taking six wickets in 13 matches. This could see him on the move ahead of IPL 2026.

Delhi Capitals (DC) are a potential destination, with reports hinting they may trade Vipraj Nigam or Ashutosh Sharma. Jacks also plays for Pretoria Capitals in SA20, DC’s sister franchise, where he has scored 740 runs and taken 13 wickets in 27 matches.

KL Rahul (Delhi Capitals to KKR)

In a surprising development, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul could be traded to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Delhi Capitals bought him for INR 14 crore, and he delivered a strong season with the bat.

Rahul scored 539 runs in 13 matches, including three fifties and a century. As per The Times of India, KKR view him as both a batting boost and a potential captain, with his good rapport with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar adding to the appeal.

Venkatesh Iyer (KKR to RCB)

KKR bought Venkatesh Iyer for INR 23.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, but he underperformed, scoring only 142 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 139.21, with just one fifty.

Reports suggest Venkatesh could be traded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Phil Salt, who scored 403 runs in 13 matches with four fifties. RCB head coach Andy Flower had earlier admitted they tried to sign Venkatesh in the IPL 2025 mega auction, engaging in a bidding war with KKR.