KL Rahul becomes KKR captain for IPL 2026

After reports of the Delhi Capitals (DC) exploring a possible player exchange with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) involving Sanju Samson, another trade has caught the attention of the cricketing community. According to the latest reports, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may sign Team India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul.

Rahul can play as an opener or in the middle order for the team. He featured in both roles for the Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2025 season. The right-handed batter finished the season with 539 runs from 13 matches at an average of 53.9 and a strike rate of 149.72, including three half-centuries and one century.

Kolkata Knight Riders Had a Forgettable IPL 2025 Season

Kolkata Knight Riders had a forgettable IPL 2025 season. They managed only five victories in 14 matches and ended up eighth in the ten-team table.

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One of the lowest points of their campaign came against the Punjab Kings, led by former KKR captain Shreyas Iyer. While chasing a modest 112, Kolkata collapsed and were dismissed for just 95 at the New Chandigarh Stadium.

Ajinkya Rahane stepped down from Mumbai’s captaincy in domestic cricket, and KKR now needs to select a new leader for the upcoming season. They also require a dependable wicketkeeper-batter after Quinton de Kock’s poor run of form, having scored only 152 runs in eight matches.

With Abhishek Nayar appointed as the new head coach, the franchise is expected to undergo a major revamp ahead of IPL 2026.

KL Rahul Bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 Crore in IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Kolkata Knight Riders released Shreyas Iyer, the captain who had taken them to the 2024 title. Punjab Kings picked him up for a massive ₹26.75 crore, and he guided PBKS to the final before losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

The franchise also attracted criticism for its auction calls. They spent ₹23.75 crore to retain Venkatesh Iyer through the RTM card and handed the captaincy to Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane’s leadership style was seen as outdated, and Venkatesh failed to make an impact.

KKR are now open to releasing Venkatesh Iyer despite the heavy price they paid for him. KL Rahul had been purchased by the Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore.

Kolkata Knight Riders Exploring the Possibility of Signing KL Rahul

ANI journalist Vipul Kashyap has reported that Kolkata Knight Riders are exploring the possibility of adding KL Rahul to their squad for the new season. KKR are looking for a top-order wicketkeeper-batter who can also captain the side after failing to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2025.

KL Rahul has leadership experience in the Indian Premier League. He has captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the past. Rahul has a strong connection with KKR’s new coach, Abhishek Nayar.

Sanju is likely to Join @DelhiCapitals and KL likely to lead @KKRiders this season @IPL

— vipul kashyap (@kashyapvipul) November 1, 2025

However, the Delhi Capitals may not agree to the deal because they might not receive a valuable player in return. KKR are unwilling to release Rinku Singh, who is considered one of their biggest future stars. They also do not want to trade young Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Veteran all-rounders Andre Russell and Sunil Narine have been part of the team for more than a decade. As a result, Kolkata does not have many strong trade options to propose.

Also read: RCB ‘GOAT’ defends Shubman Gill from criticism over horrible T20I performances