IPL 2026 players trade: KKR makes their position clear to Rajasthan Royals

Reports have been floating about Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the mini auction of Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). According to a recently published media report, KKR already cleared their position on player trade to the Rajasthan-based franchise. 

There were rumors about KKR's possible interest in RR captain Sanju Samson. To make the trade-in real, the multi-time IPL champion franchise may have to spend a hefty fee. If they want to save some amount, then there is the option of a player transfer plus money deal. According to a few previous claims on social media platforms, Rajasthan Royals might have interest in multiple KKR players in exchange for Samson; as of now, this option could be denied by Knight Riders. In parallel, there is no concrete evidence about Samson's trade to Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026.

Apart from the squad-building process, RR now has to find a new coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League season, as their head coach Rahul Dravid parted ways with the franchise. According to a statement released by RR, they offered Dravid a new role, but the ICC T20I World Cup-winning coach turned down the offer and decided to leave the club. 

Read More: 'Watching the devastation of these floods...'- Yuvraj Singh's emotional post for flood affected Punjab

In the previous season, RR faced a brutal situation in the points table. Despite making some promising performances on the field, they failed to find the right path to get on the winning track. They finished IPL 2025 second from the bottom with only 4 wins after playing 14 matches. 

Kolkata Knight Riders were the defending champion side in IPL 2025; they too could not make their way to the round of four. KKR concluded their season one place above Rajasthan Royals in the points table with only 5 wins in 14 matches.