KKR\, Delhi Capitals deal falls off because of 1 player! And it's not KL Rahul
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Veteran KKR all-rounder Andre Russell has been snubbed of a trade deal, as the Knight Riders offered Russell in exchange for KL Rahul from the Delhi Capitals, but they rejected the offer.
Kolkata Knight Riders have constantly been in the hunt for a player who can be swapped in for their skipper, Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane might be cited as a middle-order batter; however, he is not ideal to be retained as the captain of the side.
The Knight Riders have made a massive change to their squad, as Abhishek Nayar has been assigned as the new head coach of the side, replacing Chandrakant Pandit. Dwayne Bravo will continue as the mentor of the side.
Delhi Capitals rejected the Andre Russell deal
The Delhi Capitals were keen on parting ways with KL Rahul, their marquee player, whom they had bought in the mega-auction of IPL 2025, but at a variable demand. The Knight Riders have reportedly hinted at several offers for the swap, but the Capitals have rejected all.
The Delhi Capitals were reportedly offered Andre Russell as well for the exchange of KL Rahul in a trade deal. Delhi Capitals turned down the offer alongside the three other offers reported by the TOI.
As per reports, they also mentioned the swap deal between KL Rahul and Sunil Narine, Rahul and Rinku Singh-Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and lastly Rahul and Raghuvanshi-Harshit Rana.
🚨📰| Sahil Malhotra of Times of India has reported that Kolkata Knight Riders had offered Andre Russell to Delhi Capitals in exchange of KL Rahul but they rejected it. pic.twitter.com/hH9KUoEEsR
— KnightRidersXtra (@KKR_Xtra) November 4, 2025
KKR might release several players ahead of the mini-auction
The Kolkata Knight Riders performed below par in the previous season, as they could manage to win just 5 games in the edition and finished with 12 points in the season. They might at first hand part ways with the skipper, Ajinkya Rahane.
Moreover, other players might also be dropped from their squad. It includes the likes of overseas players Moeen Ali and Spencer Johnson. The two players might be dropped from the team.
Lastly, the retained player Ramandeep Singh might also be dropped from the KKR squad ahead of the mini-auction since he doesn't fit in the playing XI.
Will KKR look to wait for Sanju Samson's arrival in the IPL auction?
The Sanju Samson deal has not yet been finalized between the Delhi Capitals and the Rajasthan Royals. The Royals demanded the likes of Tristan Stubbs, and the Capitals are reluctant to part ways with the Protea wicket-keeper.
Moreover, they have further insisted on another uncapped player alongside Stubbs from the Capitals lineup. Sanju Samson might lose this trade as well, which would surely propel him into the mini-auction, and he might draw one of the most alluring bids.
The KKR franchise would benefit from it, as they can look to include him in the squad as a wicket-keeper, opening batsman, and skipper as well. This could solve all their problems in every crucial role, which they lacked previously.
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