KKR plot brutal Andre Russell exit to sign KL Rahul for IPL 2026

The IPL 2026 trade season is already gaining momentum as franchises look to fine-tune their squads ahead of the upcoming mini auction. Among the rumors in trade talks, three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders are reportedly keen on acquiring wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul for the upcoming season.

The IPL trade window is currently open and will remain active until a week before the 2026 player auction. Speculation about major trades emerges almost every day, but no deal has been officially confirmed. High-profile player trades and potential big releases are keeping the cricket fans abuzz with rumors.

Watch: KKR Plot Brutal Andre Russell Exit to Sign KL Rahul

TOI journalist Sahil Malhotra reported that the Kolkata Knight Riders are interested in bringing KL Rahul on board. Rahul can contribute to the team as a top-order wicketkeeper and captain. Sahil stated that they have even considered letting go of Andre Russell to secure the deal.

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“I have heard the name of Andre Russell mentioned because KKR are so keen on acquiring KL Rahul as their top-order wicketkeeper and captaincy option that they were even prepared to consider pushing Andre Russell out of the squad, knowing they couldn’t afford to miss the opportunity.”

🚨BREAKING 🚨

KKR are so desperate to get KL Rahul as their top order batsman , wicketkeeper and captaincy material.
-For this , they are ready to float Andre Russell out of the squad.

- Sahil Malhotra (TOI) pic.twitter.com/6fHlJBuxj1

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) October 17, 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders Endured a Disappointing IPL 2025 Campaign

Kolkata Knight Riders endured a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, finishing eighth on the points table with just five wins in 14 matches. The franchise is reportedly planning key changes in their squad ahead of the auction.

Andre Russell has been with KKR for over a decade. However, his recent performances have not lived up to his past reputation. In IPL 2025, the 37-year-old managed only 167 runs at an average of 18.57 and took eight wickets at an economy rate of 11.94.

Given his form, fitness, and consistency, KKR may face a tough decision on whether to retain him. Despite being retained for ₹12 crore before IPL 2025, Russell’s diminishing impact could prompt the management to make a practical, rather than sentimental, choice ahead of the 2026 auction.

KL Rahul’s Performances for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

KL Rahul enjoyed one of his finest IPL seasons in 2025 after joining the Delhi Capitals (DC). The stylish right-hander amassed 539 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 149.72, his best since 2018, including a century and three half-centuries.

The 33-year-old also became the fastest batter to reach 5,000 IPL runs. Over his career, Rahul has scored 5,222 runs in 145 IPL matches at an impressive average of 46.21 and a strike rate of 136.03, with five centuries and 40 fifties to his name.

Before joining Delhi, Rahul captained Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for three seasons but was released ahead of the 2025 mega auction. He reinvented his role, showcasing flexibility across the batting order for Delhi.

Rahul has represented India in 72 T20Is, scoring 2,265 runs at a strike rate of 139.12 with two centuries and 22 fifties. He last played for India in the shortest format during the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal against England.

Also read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma practice together in Perth nets; video breaks the internet