IPL 2026 Trade: 5 Players KKR Might Release to Sign KL Rahul in IPL 2026 Auction

The IPL 2026 mega-auctions are shaping up to be a big turning point for all teams. It’s a fresh chance for franchises to rebuild from scratch and rethink their strategies. For KKR, showing interest in KL Rahul makes it clear they’re looking to shake things up, especially when it comes to leadership and their batting lineup. Letting go of players like De Kock, Rahane, Gurbaz, Johnson, and Iyer could play a big role in opening up space and funds for new signings. With so much still up in the air, fans can expect plenty of surprises and bold moves as teams prepare for the auction.

IPL 2026: 5 Players KKR Might Release to Sign KL Rahul

Spencer Johnson

Spencer Johnson, the left-arm fast bowler from Australia, was bought by KKR for ₹2.8 crore to strengthen their pace attack. But in IPL 2025, he didn’t quite live up to expectations. He managed to take only a few wickets and was expensive in several matches. With KKR looking to build a more reliable and effective fast-bowling unit, they might consider releasing Johnson ahead of the mega-auction and using that money to bring in overseas pacers who can deliver stronger performances.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is one of the overseas wicketkeeper-batters in the KKR squad. In IPL 2025, he played 5 matches and scored an average of 18.5 runs per innings, with a strike rate of 139.62. Now, with KKR showing strong interest in KL Rahul, who can bat and keep wickets, Gurbaz’s role in the team seems less important. Letting him go could open up an overseas slot and free up some money, which KKR can use to strengthen other areas in the next auction.

Ajinkya Rahane (C)

Ajinkya Rahane became the captain of KKR in IPL 2025 after Shreyas Iyer left. He started well with a score of 56, but his batting and captaincy didn’t impress overall. KKR finished eighth in the tournament.

Now, with the possibility of KKR trading for KL Rahul, who brings a lot of captaincy experience, Rahane’s place in the squad could be in question. With a price tag of ₹1.50 crore, the team might consider releasing him to free up both space and funds for new options.

Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer had a particularly disappointing IPL 2025 season for KKR, scoring only 142 runs in 11 matches at an average of 20.29, despite being retained for a substantial ,23.75 crore. His lack of consistent impact with both bat and ball, coupled with his high price tag, makes him a prime candidate for release.

KKR might consider releasing him to free up a massive chunk of their budget and potentially re-acquire him at a much lower price in the auction, or invest in a more consistent all-rounder.

Quinton de Kock

Quinton De Kock had an ups and downs in his form in IPL 2025 with KKR. He played a brilliant knock of 97 in one game, but struggled to be consistent overall, managing just 152 runs in 8 innings with an average of 21.71. Since KKR is reportedly interested in KL Rahul who can also keep wickets, letting go of De Kock (who cost Rs 3.6 crore) could open up an important overseas spot and free up a good amount of money.

KKR Full Squad:

Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia, Venkatesh Iyer, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Spencer Johnson, Shivam Shukla, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Chetan Sakariya

KKR Batting Stats in IPL 2025

KKR Bowling Stats in IPL 2025

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