KL Rahul to be traded at the last minute before IPL auction

With the IPL 2026 retention deadline on Saturday, November 15, all ten franchises are in the middle of crucial discussions to finalize their lists. Teams are considering factors such as player performance, fitness concerns, budget balance, and overall value before deciding who stays and who gets released.

Franchises can retain or release any number of players, with a maximum squad size of 25 and up to 8 overseas players. Teams are treading cautiously, aware that past IPL seasons have shown how costly retention mistakes can be. Several franchises regretted the choices they made during the mega auction.

Mumbai Indians Complete Two Key Trades Ahead of IPL 2026 Retention Deadline

Mumbai Indians completed two key trades on November 13 ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline. The franchise secured all-rounder Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and West Indies power-hitter Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans (GT).

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Shardul Thakur, who went unsold in the 2025 auction before being signed by LSG as a replacement for ₹2 crore, will now represent his home side, Mumbai, after an all-cash trade at the same fee. Meanwhile, Rutherford will play for Mumbai for his existing price of ₹2.6 crore.

The five-time IPL champions reached the playoffs in 2025 after finishing bottom in 2024. They were knocked out by Punjab Kings (PBKS), the eventual runners-up, in Qualifier 2. These trades are expected to further boost MI’s balance ahead of the 2026 season.

Another All-Cash Trade Involving a Popular International Star Nears Completion

The Times of India journalist Sahil Malhotra hinted that more player trades could unfold before the retention deadline. He stated that another all-cash trade, involving a well-known international star, is nearing completion. It could well be KL Rahul, as fans speculate.

"Another all-cash trade seems to be in the final stages. Involves a very popular international cricketer :) Clear picture likely be morning. Confirmation awaited," Sahil Malhotra wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Another all-cash trade seems to be in the final stages. Involves a very popular international cricketer :) Clear picture likely be morning. Confirmation awaited.

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) November 13, 2025

Many fans feel Delhi Capitals (DC) wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul might be traded to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who are looking for a captain and a top-order batter. However, the KL Rahul trade may not take place unless Delhi receives a high-profile player in return from the Knight Riders.

Kolkata Knight Riders Desperately Trying to Sign KL Rahul for IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders endured a difficult IPL 2025 season under Ajinkya Rahane. They finished eighth after inconsistent performances. Notably, they had released former title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer. KKR have been desperate to sign KL Rahul as a potential leader and top-order option.

Delhi Capitals, however, have not made negotiations easy. They explored several trade combinations involving Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Harshit Rana. However, KKR refused to release Rinku or other key players from the side.

KL Rahul, who joined Delhi ahead of IPL 2025, scored 539 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of nearly 150, including a century and three fifties. He also became the fastest batter to reach 5,000 IPL runs.

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