IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals Eye Samson, KKR Targets KL Rahul for Leadership Role

The IPL 2026 trade window is now open, and two big names, Sanju Samson and KL Rahul, are at the center of a possible major swap. Both Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have shown interest in making the deal happen. Sanju Samson has already expressed his desire to part ways with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) following a challenging IPL 2025 season.

IPL 2026 Trade Buzz: Samson and Rahul at the Center of Big Moves

It is being said that Samson informed the team management of his decision to explore new opportunities immediately after the season concluded in June. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter decided to make this move mainly because he and the team management have been seeing things differently. On top of that, Samson wants to join a bigger, more popular team that can help him grow his personal brand.

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. With Rishabh Pant moving to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the Delhi Capitals are looking for a new captain.

They are reportedly in talks with Sanju Samson for the role, and both sides seem interested in making it happen. Samson has played for Delhi before joining Rajasthan Royals. Earlier, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had shown interest in him, but Rajasthan Royals reportedly wanted either Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad in exchange, which CSK didn’t agree to.

KL Rahul Trade Rumors and IPL 2026 Updates

KL Rahul, who played really well for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, is now reportedly on Kolkata Knight Riders’ radar. KKR is interested in signing him and has made initial contact. His strong performance last season, scoring 539 runs at a strike rate close to 150, has caught their attention.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are said to be keen on bringing KL Rahul in through a trade and are even thinking of making him their captain. They want him to open the batting and also keep wickets. But Delhi Capitals (DC) don’t seem ready to let him go. They have reportedly turned down KKR’s offer, which included cash and Rovman Powell. Delhi sees Rahul as an important part of their team 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.”

The IPL 2026 auction is expected to happen between December 13 and 15, although the IPL Governing Council hasn’t officially confirmed the dates yet. Meanwhile, teams have until November 15 to decide which players they want to keep.

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