Sanju Samson-Delhi Capitals deal accelerated rapidly, where will KL Rahul go?

The IPL 2026 trade window is currently wide and open, with two high-profile names - Sanju Samson and KL Rahul- making rounds for the major swap. The Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have shown interest in the grand trade.

Sanju Samson has already expressed his desire to part ways with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) following a challenging IPL 2025 season. It is being said that Samson informed the team management of his decision to explore new opportunities immediately after the season concluded in June.

Sanju Samson and KL Rahul set for potential IPL 2026 swap

One of the main reasons behind the Indian wicketkeeper-batter’s decision is a growing difference in opinion with the team management. Additionally, Samson is keen on joining a more high-profile franchise that can help expand his personal brand.

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As reported by a Times of India journalist, the Delhi Capitals (DC) are targeting Sanju Samson to bolster their squad. On the other hand, KL Rahul, who joined the Capitals last season, is reportedly on Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) radar for a potential leadership role.

Sanju Samson is likely to join the Delhi Capitals

The Delhi Capitals, who are in search of a new captain after Rishabh Pant's departure to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), are reportedly in talks with Samson for the captaincy role ahead of IPL 2026. Discussions are ongoing, and both parties are reportedly keen on the move.

Notably, Samson had already played for the Delhi-based franchise in the IPL before joining the RR. Earlier, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had shown interest in Samson, but the Rajasthan Royals had reportedly asked for either Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad in return, and the franchise denied.

KKR eyes KL Rahul in trade talks ahead of IPL auction

Meanwhile, KL Rahul, who had a stellar season with DC in IPL 2025, is reportedly a target for the Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR is keen to acquire Rahul’s services and has reportedly sent feelers for the move. The reason behind this is the right-hander’s impressive performance in IPL 2025, where he scored 539 runs at a strike rate of nearly 150.

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Well, KKR is reportedly interested in acquiring Rahul via a trade deal and is even considering making him the captain. They eye Rahul as the opening batter and wicketkeeper.

However, DC is reportedly not ready to part ways with Rahul and has rejected KKR's cash-plus-Rovman Powell offer. Delhi sees Rahul as a core player and has no plans to release him.

A Times of India journalist posted, X: “Delhi Capitals are keen on getting Sanju Samson in their team. However, they aren’t sure which player they can trade with RR. Meanwhile, the KL Rahul to KKR rumors are still strong, with the team really seeing KL as their solution for captain, opener & possibly wicketkeeper.”

Some #IPLtradeupdate
Delhi Capitals are keen on getting Sanju Samson in their team. However, they aren’t sure on which player they can trade with RR. Meanwhile, KL Rahul to KKR rumours are still strong with the team really see KL as their solution for captain, opener & possibly

— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) October 15, 2025

Notably, the IPL 2026 auction is likely to take place between December 13 and 15. While the IPL Governing Council has not officially announced the dates, this is the expected window for the auction. On the other hand, the player retention deadline is November 15.