KKR keen to add KL Rahul to their squad via trade from DC ahead of IPL 2026 - Reports

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :July 31, 2025 at 5:48 PM

Modified at :July 31, 2025 at 5:48 PM

(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)

KL Rahul was part of Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are interested in getting KL Rahul in their squad for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. According to reports by the Times of India, the three-time champions are keen to trade Rahul from Delhi Capitals (DC).

KL Rahul joined DC ahead of IPL 2025 at a whopping price of INR 14 crores after parting ways with his former side, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The right-handed batsman mustered 539 runs in 13 games at an average of 53.90 in IPL 2025, including one century and three half-centuries.

He was DC’s costliest player at the auction and lived up to the expectations. Although DC failed to qualify for the playoffs, Rahul impressed many with his batting heroics in the tournament.

Why KKR want KL Rahul in their squad?

According to reports, KKR want Rahul as they want a strong skipper to lead the side in the next season. Ajinkya Rahane was named the captain in IPL 2025; however, the team performed poorly under his captaincy.

Rahul has good experience in leading, as he has performed the role for Punjab Kings (PBKS) and LSG. Moreover, Rahul has a close connection with KKR assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. The latter helped Rahul to improve his batting technique during his tenure as assistant coach of the Indian Cricket Team.

However, the deal is unlikely to go through as KKR do not have a strong player to trade for Rahul.

“However, the deal is unlikely to work out as KKR don’t have anybody they can trade to the Delhi Capitals in return,” a source told TOI.

Recently, there were reports that KKR are looking forward to getting Ishan Kishan from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in exchange for Venkatesh Iyer. KKR bought Iyer for INR 23.75 crores at the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, Iyer flopped in the entire season.

Meanwhile, KKR recently parted ways with their head coach Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach Bharat Arun. The latter has joined LSG as bowling coach for the next two years.

KL Rahul is part of which team in the IPL?

KL Rahul is part of Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

Who was the skipper of KKR in IPL 2025?

Ajinkya Rahane was the skipper of KKR in IPL 2025.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.

Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.