IPL 2026: Top 5 trade speculations before mini auction

MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source - Twitter/X)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction is fast approaching, and franchises have already begun shaping their squads ahead of the new season. While the auction will be the major event for team restructuring, several trade discussions and rumours have already made headlines.

Teams like Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and the Delhi Capitals have been at the centre of rumours of possible player trade through man-to-man or cash deals for some of the biggest names in the cash-rich tournament. Some of these trade talks are grounded in reality, while others remain strong speculations.

Here are the top five trade speculations before IPL 2026 mini-auction KL Rahul (Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders) KL Rahul (Source: IPL/X)

KL Rahul, currently with Delhi Capitals (DC), is one of the biggest names in the trade rumour mill. Reports suggest that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have shown strong interest in acquiring the star batter. Rahul has a strong rapport with Abhishek Nayar, KKR’s new head coach, which has only added fuel to the speculation.

Rumours indicate that KKR were willing to offer Andre Russell in exchange for Rahul, but DC seem reluctant to part ways with one of their most reliable batters from the 2025 season. Unless KKR offer a younger core player such as Rinku Singh or Varun Chakravarthy, this blockbuster trade looks unlikely to happen.

Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals) Sanju Samson. (Source - Getty Images)

Another major rumour circulating the IPL circuit involves Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR). Sources claim that RR and DC have engaged in discussions about a potential Samson-Tristan Stubbs swap deal. While RR are open to bringing Stubbs on board, they have asked for an additional uncapped Indian player as part of the exchange.

DC, however, have been unwilling to part with their young Indian talent. With negotiations ongoing, there remains a real possibility that Samson could return to Delhi Capitals, where he began his IPL career. If completed, it would be one of the biggest trades in IPL history.

Washington Sundar (Gujarat Titans to Chennai Super Kings) Washington-Sundar. (Photo Source: X/Twitter)

With Ravichandran Ashwin announcing his retirement from the IPL, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly looking for a suitable replacement. The franchise has shown interest in Washington Sundar, currently part of Gujarat Titans (GT), the all-rounder who is in the scheme of things for the Indian team across formats currently.

Sundar, with his all-round abilities and composure, fits perfectly into CSK’s setup. However, GT head coach Ashish Nehra has ruled out any trade, confirming that the franchise has no intention of releasing the off-spinning all-rounder. This shows that despite being heavily underutilized for the 2025 season, the Ahmedabad-based franchise does not intend to discard the Tamil Nadu cricketer from their set-up.

Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders to Royal Challengers Bengaluru) Venkatesh Iyer (Photo Source -Twitter/X)

Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought by KKR for a hefty INR 23.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, is also among the trade discussions. Reports suggest that KKR considered trading Iyer to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Phil Salt.

However, Salt’s base price and contract complications make the trade difficult. Any potential move might involve another English player, Liam Livingstone, but given Iyer’s high valuation, such a deal appears unlikely.

Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals) Ravindra Jadeja. (Source - Getty Images)

In another surprising rumour, Ravindra Jadeja was reportedly linked with a move to Rajasthan Royals, with Sanju Samson heading the other way. However, CSK have made it clear that Jadeja remains an integral part of their plans and have no intention of trading him.

While the all-rounder began his IPL journey with RR under Shane Warne, a return seems improbable at this stage, as the Saurashtra all-rounder's career has taken a different turn altogether ever since he joined the Chennai-based franchise. He famously hit the winning runs for CSK in the finals of 2023 to get the franchise their record-equalling five IPL titles.