IPL 2026 trade window has generated significant buzz with several high-profile trade rumors and potential moves involving key players and franchises. While no deals are official yet, the main rumors circulating include.
IPL 2026 Trade Window
1. Sanju Samson (RR)
Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals) is heavily rumored to be sought after by Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. CSK reportedly wanted to swap Shivam Dube and Ravichandran Ashwin for Samson, but a trade with KKR looks more likely now. However, Rajasthan Royals have recently confirmed Samson is likely to stay as their captain.
2. KL Rahul (DC)
KL Rahul, previously with Delhi Capital, is linked to a potential trade to Kolkata Knight Riders. With his proven leadership skills and consistent batting performances, several franchises are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing him into their squad. Trade rumors suggest that teams looking for a reliable opener and an experienced captaincy option could make strong bids, making Rahul’s future one of the most exciting storylines ahead of the new season.
3. Ishan Kishan (SRH)
Ishan Kishan, who moved from Mumbai Indians (MI) to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the previous IPL auction, struggled to live up to expectations in IPL 2025 despite an explosive century in one match. He scored only 354 runs in 14 matches, with most runs coming from just two games. As a result, there are strong rumors that Mumbai Indians are interested in bringing him back to their squad for IPL 2026, seeing this as an opportunity to revive his form and boost their top order.
4. Venkatesh Iyer (KKR)
Venkatesh Iyer, bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a hefty sum of ₹23.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, faced a tough season where he couldn’t live up to the high expectations. Despite being instrumental in KKR’s IPL 2024 title win, scoring 370 runs with four half-centuries, Iyer managed only 142 runs in IPL 2025 over 11 innings, averaging 20 with no impactful match-winning performances. His all-round capabilities, especially his left-handed batting and medium-pace bowling, remained underutilized as KKR experienced a disappointing season, finishing eighth on the points table.
Trade rumors indicate that franchises like Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad have shown interest in acquiring Iyer. Given his ability to contribute both as a batter and bowler, a fresh start with these teams or others might help him rediscover his form and showcase his value as an all-rounder in IPL 2026.
5. Glenn Maxwell (PBKS)
Glenn Maxwell could be on the move ahead of IPL 2026, with Punjab Kings reportedly open to trading the Australian all-rounder. Both Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings are said to be interested, as they search for an experienced overseas player who can provide explosive batting power and useful spin options in the middle order. Maxwell’s potential transfer could be one of the biggest overseas moves of the season.
More Players:
Arshdeep Singh is reportedly on Mumbai Indians’ radar for a possible trade ahead of IPL 2026. Punjab Kings, his current team, could consider trading him depending on the offers they receive. This potential move is driven by MI’s desire to strengthen their pace bowling lineup and adding an experienced Indian left-arm pacer like Arshdeep fits their strategy.
Shivam Dube is linked with a potential return to Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB is interested in bringing back the Indian all-rounder to bolster their squad depth and power-hitting options in the middle order. Dube’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable addition.
The trade window extends until seven days before the IPL 2026 player auction. These rumors reflect ongoing discussions and interests, but teams have not finalized or officially announced trades yet.
What are Trade in IPL?
In the IPL a trade is when one team sends a player to another team before the season starts. This happens during the trade window, which opens before the auction. Teams usually trade players if they don’t fit into their plans or if another team is willing to offer a better deal. Sometimes it’s a straight player swap, and other times it’s a player-for-cash trade. It’s a way for franchises to fix gaps in their squad and for players to get a fresh start with a new team.
