Not KL Rahul ! Abhishek Nayar goes in combat mode with MS Dhoni for another Rahul

After the KL Rahul deal reportedly fell flat, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is all set to bring the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Rahul Tripathi into the side for the upcoming IPL 2026. Recently, the three-time champions have shown interest in KL Rahul for a dual role.

But Delhi Capitals (DC) is not ready to trade KL Rahul, as the Kolkata Knight Riders has not made any viable offer. After these rumors died down, the newly appointed KKR head coach, Abhishek Nayar, reportedly went into “combat mode” after CSK reportedly planned to release Rahul Tripathi.

KKR targets Rahul Tripathi after KL Rahul deal fails!

The buzz began after Tripathi was seen enjoying a night out with Nayar at a private party. The photo, which quickly went viral, showed the two sharing laughs and appearing relaxed just weeks ahead of KKR’s pre-season training camp and retention deadline on November 5.

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Rahul Tripathi was seen partying with KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar. pic.twitter.com/TtQ2h04c9v

— KnightRidersXtra (@KKR_Xtra) November 4, 2025

KKR rejects DC’s triple offer for KL Rahul in high-stakes IPL deal

Well, the IPL trade window has heated up with both the KKR and DC sides holding firm over their star players. Talks that began with high hopes have reportedly stalled after Kolkata refused to agree to any of the three proposals put forward by DC.

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Delhi reportedly made multiple offers in an attempt to lure KKR into a deal. The discussions reportedly started with a straight swap between KL Rahul and Sunil Narine. When that didn’t work, DC tried two-player exchange combinations: one involving Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh, and another with Harshit Rana and Raghuvanshi.

But KKR has made its stance clear. The franchise considers Rinku and Harshit crucial for their long-term plans and doesn’t want to part ways with them at any cost.

DC, on the other hand, is still trying to bring in young Raghuvanshi, who is also connected with JSW Sports, and that makes him an attractive addition to their setup.

Additionally, DC is reportedly close to finalizing a trade with the Rajasthan Royals for Sanju Samson, in exchange for Tristan Stubbs and an uncapped Indian player. However, this could complicate things if Rahul’s trade doesn’t go through, as both Samson and Rahul are specialist wicketkeepers.

After being removed as captain by Lucknow Super Giants last season, KL Rahul was bought by Delhi for a hefty ₹14 crore but wasn’t handed leadership duties. KKR, however, is eyeing him as a potential captain for the new season, but DC’s demands have stalled the move.

CSK to axe Sam Curran, Devon Conway, and Rahul Tripathi after back-to-back IPL failures

On the other hand, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings are reportedly planning a major reshuffle. According to the reports, the franchise is seriously considering releasing several key players, including Sam Curran, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, and Devon Conway.

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CSK’s management is believed to be focused on building a younger and more dynamic squad for the next season. MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings finished in last place in the IPL 2025 season. They have failed to qualify for the Playoffs in the last 2 IPL seasons.