Ajinkya Rahane's future in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is under uncertainty, as the franchise is in search of a new captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) edition, media reports claim. The multi-time IPL trophy-winning side is reportedly interested in KL Rahul, who has leadership experiences and qualities.

Rahul can rescue KKR from multiple issues. Along with the captaincy role, the franchise faced trouble in their keeper-batter slot as both of their overseas players—Rahmatullah Gurbaz and Quinton De Kock—failed to impress. Gurbaz is young and undoubtedly talented; he's been with KKR multiple seasons but has yet to impress the team management. Another issue is that the team needs someone who can pull the crowd—a crowd puller. After the exit of Shreyas Iyer, KKR lacked the star power that Rahul can easily provide. The 33-year-old's ability to adapt to the situation and multitasking skills make him more precise.

Last season, the India international was in outstanding form with Delhi Capitals, scoring 539 runs in 13 matches at a standout average of 53.90. Needless to say, if KKR wants to trade Rahul from Delhi Capitals, then they have to spend multi-crore rupees. According to the latest media updates, KKR may propose a player trade or a big cash deal to Delhi Capitals in order to acquire Rahul.

Read More: 3 teams that can target Jordan Cox ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction ft. CSK

KKR to release Venkatesh Iyer?

To generate extra cash for a huge deal, KKR can release some of their big names. KKR bought Iyer from the mega auction for INR 23.75 Crore, making it a record-breaking price for the franchise.

Claims on social media platforms also suggested that by releasing Iyer, KKR can collect the required cash to accomplish KL Rahul's transfer from Delhi Capitals.In IPL 2025, Ajinkya Rahane as a batter performed well, but his captaincy lacked the much-needed flair on the field. 

Multiple IPL franchises need to do some reinforcement work for the upcoming season. Taking lessons from their previous campaign, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) can try to sign some fresh batters to boost up their batting firepower. Jordan Cox can be an effective long-term investment for the above-mentioned franchises. But why do CSK, SRH, or KKR need to sign the emerging English batter? 

Cox has been in superb form in the ongoing The Hundred tournament with the Oval Invincibles. He is one of the few young batters who has been able to maintain their run flow. Additionally, the England international can be used as a wicketkeeper also. 

Franchises and why they should make an investment for Jordan Cox:

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): CSK's last season was unexpectedly poor. The five-time IPL-winning team's batting side was full of cracks, which they need to fill up if the team management wishes to regain their glory days. The late inclusions of Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis came as rays of hope, as both of the batters made strong impressions through their explosive batting performances. If they decide to cash in for Jordan Cox, then it'll be another bet on a long-term prospect. The combination of Mhatre, Brevis, and Cox can bring a lot of possibilities into the lineup. 

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2. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Star-studded batting line, probably the strongest batting lineup on paper during the IPL 2025. But their on-field performance showed them the reality. Inconsistency led the team down in the points table. After scoring a brilliant hundred, Ishan Kishan's performance graph was on the decline. Other capped and uncapped talents also did not perform in a consistent manner. SRH needs someone who can provide him a steady performance, like Cox's current stint in The Hundred. The young English top-order keeper-batter can be a good backup option for Heinrich Klaasen as well. 

3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): KKR was unable to play as a team in IPL 2025, and they failed to protect their title. They have to recruit some fresh, young talents to replace reputed but out-of-form experienced players from their first XI. Apart from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh, KKR's batting combination lacked upcoming talents and X-factor. Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Quinton De Kock are undoubtedly highly experienced candidates, but they are already well past their prime. The upcoming mini auction for IPL 2026 can be a crucial moment for Knight Riders to reshuffle their team. 

6, 6, 6, 6... An explosion in the powerplay when Gulbarga Mystics started to chase a target of 210 runs against Mysore Warriors. Luvnith Sisodia, who is the opener of Gulbarga Mystics, caught eyes for his batting skills. In the ongoing 2025 Maharaja Trophy T20, the keeper batter is in great touch; especially whenever he connects with the ball, it often lands in the stands. 

The same happened when he came against the Mysore Warriors. Back-to-back sixes for him and Gulbarga, which led Gulbarga to win the massive target. It was not the first time Luvnith has made headlines. His hitting abilities are not something new for Indian cricket. Kolkata Knight Riders roped in the keeper-batter for IPL 2025, but unfortunately, Sisodia did not get a single match to shine. 

3 reasons for KKR to retain Luvnith Sisodia:

A solution of keeper-batter: Kolkata Knight Riders had to deal with a keeper-batter problem in the previous Indian Premier League season as two of their overseas players—Quinton De Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz—proved to be flops. Sisodia can solve the issue. He can keep, and he can bat. The way he is batting in the Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament, KKR management might have taken a note. The former IPL champion lacked this kind of quickfire batting to boost up their run rate during the power plays.

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Top-order batting: KKR's struggle to find a right opening pair is not new. Phil Salt did great for them, but the management let him go ahead of the league auction. Then, for the IPL 2025 season, Sunil Narine was combined with Quinton De Kock, which did not work. For the last few seasons, Narine emerged as their regular opener. Narine's hitting abilities are undoubtedly appreciable, but his lack of consistency often caused trouble for KKR. The team needs a proper top-order batsman who can score runs quickly, and Luvnith Sisodia can be a good option. 

A long-time prospect: Unlike Sunil Narine or Quinton De Kock, who are already well over their prime, nearing retirement, Luvnith has a long career in front of him. He is only 25 and has the potential to beas a long-time prospect. But first, he has to prove himself against some top-level bowlers. 

Beautiful use of wrists to launch back-to-back big hits. Luvnith Sisodia was in full swing against Shivamogga Lions during Match 11 of the ongoing Maharaja Trophy T20 2025. Sisodia, who was a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, scored an unbeaten 58 in the Shivamogga Lions vs Gulbarga Mystics game. Gulbarga Mystics won the contest by 10 wickets via the VJD method.

After the beginning of the 2025 Maharaja Trophy, multiple matches were influenced by rain. Batting first, Shivamogga scored 127-5 in 15.5 overs. Gulbarga started to chase the target in a quick manner. The target was reduced, which probably made Gulbarga's task a little bit easy, considering their aggregate style of batting.

From the beginning of the second innings, the opening partnership of Luvnith Sisodia and Nikin Jose started to deal with boundaries and over boundaries. Jese remained unbeaten for 34 off 15, and Sisodia stood tall on the track for an unbeaten 58. The opening pair scored 93 and confirmed the victory for Gulbarga Mystics. One of the most highlighted moments came when Sisodia smacked back-to-back 6s using his wrists. The left-handed opener used his footwork and wrists to guide the deliveries to the stand.

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Who is Luvnith Sisodia?

The 25-year-old keeper-batter played some swashbuckling in the domestic circuit over the past few years but has yet to play his first match in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The top-order batsman, known for hard-hitting abilities, was picked up by KKR at the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 30 lakh. Luvnith was also part of RCB’s roster in 2022 before an injury ruled him out. In the 2024 Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament, Sisodia played an amazing unbeaten 62-run innings for the Mystics. 

Along with his batting, he is well established for his wicketkeeping job too. In that season, against Bengaluru Blasters, the keeper took 6 catches behind the stumps. 

Luvnith Sisodia magic in Maharaja Trophy. 🔥pic.twitter.com/dOL7Qtxw41

— Knight Club : KKR (@KnightClub_KKR) August 17, 2025

With most of the talks around Sanju Samson's future in Rajasthan Royals (RR), few other RR cricketers also can change ships for the upcoming hurdle of IPL 2026. Nitish Rana, another player of the Rajasthan Royals, can leave the franchise ahead of the upcoming IPL season, as suggested by some recent claims.

The experienced batter can reunite with his former club, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Rana had been with KKR from IPL 2018 to IPL 2024; for the 2025 season, he joined the Rajasthan-based franchise. After winning the IPL 2024 title, Knight Riders did not retain him before the mega auction, and then Rana joined RR, where he got to play 11 matches and scored a total of 217 runs at an average of 21.70, including a highest innings of 81. Surely, it was not one of his best Indian Premier League campaigns.

As per some latest reports, Nitish can rejoin KKR before the beginning of next season's IPL. Though, there is no clear evidence about this possible move. Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders—both teams were unable to qualify for the playoffs of the previous campaign. To regain their momentum, both Francis can recreate their blueprint to avoid any kind of setbackon repeated occasions.

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Why KKR should sign Rana?

Last season, KKR's batting performance was not consistent enough to defend their title. If they think to bid for the left-handed batsman again, then this can be a significant strategic move. The 31-year-old not only can help the team with his experience but also can add variation in the squad. From the bench, Rana can be a trump card for the former champion side.

In terms of total runs in a single IPL season, IPL 2023 was his best with KKR. That season, in 14 matches, the southpaw scored a total of 413 runs for the Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) can go all out for Sanju Samson; even if he gets to the mini auction, there the franchise will be prepared with a fat money bag, recent reports claimed. 

Speculations regarding Sanju Samson's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are touching the roof. Claims from various sources have already said that the keeper-batter is all set to leave Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2026.

Needless to say, if Sanju finally leaves the Rajasthan-based franchise, then there will be a lot of buyers for him. As of now, the final report about his departure from Rajasthan Royals is yet to come. Before that, there are perhaps already existing interests from multiple franchises to secure the services of the star player. A few reports published before claimed Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are the two franchises most interested in Samson.

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What is the current situation?

Now, the situation might have slightly changed. Latest claims suggest that KKR may have the strongest desire to secure the signing of the top-order keeper-batsman, who has leadership qualities as well. For that, they can consider a swap-plus-cash deal or a pure cash deal. If neither of their offers works and Sanju goes to the auction, then the Purple Brigade can be there in the auction house with a heavy purse. For a swap deal, KKR can offer only Ramandeep Singh plus some cash to Rajasthan Royals, as reports claimed. 

🚨SANJU SAMSON-KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS 🚨

It could be a player plus cash deal or a full cash deal. If not, Samson might join the auction — KKR is prepared with a large purse.

However, RR is eager for a deal, so they are making significant efforts to make it happen, but KKR… pic.twitter.com/dOLT3syqWz

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) August 16, 2025

KKR had a setback in IPL 2025. They were the defending champions but could not qualify for the top four. They can consider some changes in the squad for the upcoming IPL season.

Will Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) allow Angkrish Raghuvanshi to take the exit doors? This is another question in between many speculations regarding next year's Indian Premier League (IPL 2026).

The mini auction, before the IPL 2026, can witness multiple big moves and deals associated with lofty paychecks, as multiple star players can be traded to different franchises. Speculations related to IPL 2026 got maximum hype because of Sanju Samson. The keeper-batter can move from Rajasthan Royals, and KKR is interested in grabbing the opportunity to sign the experienced talent, suggested by multiple reports.

The possible move of Sanju Samson can cause a multi-core deal. Another option can be a swap deal. Some claims on social media further stated that Knight Riders can rope in Samson, sacrificing Ramandeep Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. But the latest claims suggested a slight change in the scenario: KKR might not be going to include 21-year-old Angkrish to trade Sanju for IPL 2026.

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Raghuvanshi improved his stats

If the freshly claimed reports are to be believed, then the Delhi-born can spend another season with the Kolkata-based franchise. If the KKR management decides to keep the young batter, then it will reflect how much they value the emerging cricketer. Raghuvanshi is considered one of the brightest prospects of Indian cricket.

Kolkata Knight Riders introduced the keeper-batter to the world of IPL during the 2024 season, when he played 10 matches and 7 innings to score 163 runs, including an inning of 54 runs. That season, the batting average of Angkrish was 23.28. In the following season, he improved his batting average to 33.33 after playing 12 matches and 11 innings. With the help of a 50-run innings, the right-hander scored 300 runs in IPL 2025. 

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the three-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), are reportedly in talks with Kumar Sangakkara for a mentorship role ahead of the IPL 2026 season. KKR won the 2024 season by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. That was also the year Gautam Gambhir, a former two-time IPL-winning KKR captain, rejoined the team as a mentor.

Sangakkara in Talks with KKR

Sources told The Telegraph that Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the director of cricket at Rajasthan Royals since 2021, has decided to leave the franchise. India’s T20 World Cup-winning head coach Rahul Dravid is set to return to the Royals ahead of the 2026 season, and former India batting coach Vikram Rathour may also join him.

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KKR already have Chandrakant Pandit as head coach, Bharat Arun as bowling coach, Abhishek Nayar as assistant coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate as fielding coach in Gautam Gambhir’s support staff. Reports say KKR are in advanced talks with Sangakkara, though he is also considering offers from other franchises. A final decision is expected soon.

🚨| It's been heard that Kumar Sangakkara has shown interest in joining KKR’s support staff.

~ Rohit Juglan pic.twitter.com/s5yRILMyY0

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) August 13, 2025

Sanju Samson Trade Talks

The BCCI is likely to announce the terms of retention for franchises this month, starting the process for the mega auction. Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson is on KKR’s radar. Reports say KKR are open to a player trade with RR — something CSK refused when asked for Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube in exchange. KKR are reportedly willing to offer young talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep Singh to secure Samson.

Liam Livingstone flared his true potential when he single-handedly took a match away from Oval Invincibles in the ongoing The Hundred tournament. Liam played a match-winning 69* off 27 and gifted Birmingham Phoenix their first win of the season. The fantastic knock came into the moment when a group of cricket fans had been discussing the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Before the IPL 2026, a mini auction will be held. Ahead of that, there is a series of rumors related to multiple big names and their possible moves for the upcoming IPL season.

Liam Livingstone, who helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to win their maiden IPL title, was not at his prime in IPL 2025. Cricket fans may not be surprised to see if RCB decides to leave Livingstone because of his repeated underperformances. He ended IPL 2025 at an average of only 16.00 in 10 matches. Stats are not always enough to show a player’s actual potential. So, for IPL 2026, there can be multiple interests for the England international.

3 teams that should pay for Liam Livingstone for the upcoming IPL:

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

The multi-time IPL-winning side has to do a lot of repair work after sustaining an unsuccessful season. The champions of IPL 2024 can think about cashing in for multiple new faces in the troop. Liam Livingstone can be a proper replacement for Andre Russell. Russell, who just retired from T20Is and is well past his prime, was looking like a burden for KKR in 2025. Like Russell, Livingstone is also known for his firing abilities from the lower middle order. He can be useful too with bowling. If the Knight management wishes to cash in for an overseas middle-order all-rounder, the Englishman can be the appropriate option.

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Punjab Kings (PBKS)

It looked all settled for Punjab Kings to lift their first ever IPL trophy until the night of the grand finale came. The batting lineup could not sustain the pressure, and they finished their well-played campaign being the second best. Throughout the tournament, the top and middle order of PBKS looked solid, but their lower middle order was not up to the mark. Marcus Stoinis was simply not at his best. He had a great chance to be the hero for the franchise in the final match against RCB, but the all-rounder got only 6 runs. The 35-year-old scored 160 runs in 13 IPL 2025 matches without any fifty-plus innings. The matches he played after the conclusion of IPL 2025 were also far from promising. Liam Livingstone can be a proper fit in place of Marcus for Punjab Kings.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

After so many investments, LSG again finished their IPL campaign far away from the glittering trophy. Like many other franchises in the tournament, they too have to update their middle-order tactics with probably some new signings. For IPL 2025 they trusted experienced David Miller, who is now 36. LSG can prefer to go with someone who can contribute to a multi-year vision. Livingstone can be the batting all-rounder who can help the management to set a right playing combination according to matches.

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.