KKR set to ditch Venkatesh Iyer for SRH superstar in high-profile trade ahead of IPL 2026
Published - 18 Jul 2025, 04:18 PM
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Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, one of the most expensive buys at the IPL 2025 mega auction with a whopping ₹23.75 crore, is likely to leave Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before the next auction. With the IPL trading window currently open, Venkatesh Iyer is likely to join the new franchise for the next season.
The Kolkata Knight Riders had broken the bank for Iyer, but things didn’t go as planned. The all-rounder managed just 142 runs at an average of 20 in the IPL 2025. His form dipped, and then injuries troubled him, and then he was eventually dropped from the playing XI.
KKR eye Ishan Kishan, Venkatesh Iyer set to join SRH
🚨| KKR are reportedly ready for a Trade. Sunrisers Hyderabad are frontrunners for a deal, eyeing Iyer as a replacement for Ishan Kishan.(My Khel) pic.twitter.com/lxpEZix5Cz
— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) July 17, 2025
Now, a MyKhel report suggested that KKR is ready to part ways with the struggling Venkatesh Iyer. The report claimed that KKR is considering trading Iyer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan ahead of the IPL 2026.
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Ishan had a decent 2025 season, scoring 354 runs for SRH and even smashing a century. Despite his decent season, Sunrisers Hyderabad is reportedly ready to sacrifice Ishan for Iyer ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. It is being said that both KKR and SRH have been involved in the trading talks.
The left-handed batter fits perfectly into KKR’s plan as they look for an aggressive top-order wicketkeeper-batter. On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad is looking for a powerful middle-order all-rounder. Iyer could be the solution if he regains form.
Reports said that both teams see this trade as a win-win, but there is no official word yet. Amidst these talks, there is more drama brewing, as even the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) might jump into the race to trade Venkatesh Iyer. With the IPL trading window open, this could be one of the biggest swaps ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
CSK and GT in race for Glenn Maxwell; Liam Livingstone set to leave RCB
Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are also interested in trading Glenn Maxwell. The Australian all-rounder had a poor season with PBKS, scoring just 48 runs in seven innings before an injury ended his season. Now, media reports suggest that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might be interested in bringing Maxwell on board. Gujarat Titans (GT) could also make a move.
The GT is likely to release New Zealand's Glenn Phillips to make space for Glenn Maxwell. Next in line is Liam Livingstone, who played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2025 and didn’t live up to expectations either.
The England all-rounder scored only 112 runs in 10 matches. Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly tracking Liam Livingstone closely and could make offers soon to the RCB, the winners of the IPL 2025.
DC and MI eye Rishabh in a shocking trade deal
But the most surprising trade rumor surrounds Rishabh Pant. The star Indian wicketkeeper-batter was picked by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a massive ₹27 crore last season at the 2025 mega auction.
However, Pant didn’t have a great season, but it is highly unlikely that the LSG will part ways with the most expensive player in IPL history. Still, Delhi Capitals (DC) are now reportedly keen on bringing Pant back on board ahead of the IPL 2026. Even MI has shown interest in Pant.
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