IPL 2026: KL Rahul to KKR trade deal unlikely to happen — Know why

KL Rahul's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) trade deal ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction is unlikely to happen; that's the latest update regarding the possible transfer for the new Indian Premier League season. It is reported that KKR does not agree with the terms and conditions set by the Delhi Capitals (DC) to trade away the star keeper-batter. 

According to the latest updates, against KL Rahul, the Delhi-based franchise was demanding either of the two KKR stars—Rinku Singh or Varun Chakaravarthy. Both the cricketers are core members of Kolkata Knight Riders, and the franchise has no desire to send them to any other IPL franchise. So, it is understood, they are not on the same terms with Delhi Capitals. 

For the past few weeks, it was reported that the multiple-time IPL-winning franchise is heavily interested in KL Rahul and Sanju Samson. KKR needs someone who can lead the team from the front and can be the face of the franchise for multiple years, as some of their key players are well past their prime days. 

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KKR-DC trade talk for KL Rahul collapse?

Undoubtedly, KL Rahul can be the best for the job in KKR. He can be the face of a franchise, and with the leadership qualities, batting qualities, and brand value, the Team India star can be a crowd puller. Like KKR, DC is also well aware of the qualities of Rahul. So the question was, if DC was willing to trade out the keeper-batter, then which conditions could they set? 

According to reports, DC demandedRinku or Varun in exchange for Rahul. KKR, as of now, is unlikely to release one of these players ahead of the IPL 2026. As the demands of both parties are not on the same plane, the DC-KKR trade deal for KL Rahul is unlikely to happen.