3 Teams that can trade KL Rahul from Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Speculations are rolling around social media platforms regarding KL Rahul's future in IPL. Will he stay with Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026? That's become a corner rupees question, as the experienced keeper-batter has evolved as one of the most consistent and dependable performers for club and country. Teams with problems in keeping, batting, or even in leadership duties can consider the versatile cricketer as a new addition.

There are multiple team names surfacing on the internet linking with KL Rahul. So far, there is no clarification about his future for the upcoming Indian Premier League. But which 3 franchises can target him for the next season, and why? Let's derive. 

3 teams that can consider KL Rahul for IPL 2026:

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Kolkata Knight Riders suffered all kinds of problems in the previous season. From top-order batting to captaincy, the champion of IPL 2024 experienced a horrendous campaign this year. For the upcoming Indian Premier League, they have no option but to do some repair work to boost up squad depth. Quinton De Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz were in their squad as their top-order batters and keepers as well. De Kock, way past his career's best, showed some glimpses of prime but was not able to maintain a sustainable form throughout the series. KKR management also tried with Gurbaz in their playing combination, but that too did not work. In place of Quinton or Gurbaz, KL Rahul can be a like-for-like substitution. As the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, Ajinkya Rahane's decisions and on-field approach were under the scanner. Rahul can add value with their leadership qualities as well.

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK Super Kings, the 5-time IPL title-winning team, has been facing tough challenges with batting, captaincy, and keeping. MS Dhoni was their man in need from the beginning of the IPL; now he is over 40 years old, well past his prime. Dhoni is not only the former captain of CSK but also the icon. Replacing a player like Dhoni is not going to be easy. The team management needs someone who can perform on the field and at least maintain their brand value. As of now, KL Rahul is the only man who can tick all the boxes precisely. Dhoni recently hinted that Ruturaj Gaikwad is all set to be back as their regular skipper for IPL 2026. And KL Rahul avoided the leadership role in Delhi Capitals to enhance batting skills. If Ruturaj continues as CSK captain, then Rahul can maintain his focus on his performance. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Sunrisers Hyderabad can sound inappropriate in the list, but not illogical, as the team suffered with batting consistency throughout the IPL 2025. On pen and paper, SRH was the most star-studded and powerful batting lineup. But their on-field performance let them down. The top order of SRH mostly maintained off color in the entire season. Travis Head is undoubtedly a big name in international cricket, but not a successful one in the Indian Premier League. If SRH thinks about a replacement of Head, then Rahul is definitely a suitable option. His partnership with Abhishek Sharma up front can prove lethal against top-tier bowlers.