IPL 2026 Trade Buzz: LSG Target Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel from Delhi Capitals

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly interested in bringing one of Delhi Capitals’ star spinners, Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel, into their team. Both bowlers have been key players for Delhi, known for their consistency and ability to control the game in the middle overs.

LSG Target Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel in Major IPL 2026 Trade Move

According to reports, LSG are ready to trade almost any player from their squad to make this deal happen, except for captain KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, and Nicholas Pooran. If this trade goes through, it could be one of the biggest moves before the IPL 2026 season.

Rahul jokingly said that he isn’t too far behind Aaron Finch, who holds the record for playing for the most (nine) IPL teams. Rahul began his IPL career in 2013 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He then moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the next season and returned to RCB in 2016.

In the 2018 auction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) bought him for ₹11 crore. After that, he went on to play for two more teams.

KL Rahul became the first draft pick of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) when the franchise entered the IPL in 2022. LSG signed him for ₹17 crore and appointed him captain. Under his leadership, the team finished third in their debut season.

“I’m Not Far Behind Aaron Finch” – KL Rahul

However, in 2023, Rahul suffered a serious tendon tear in his right leg while fielding against Royal Challengers Bangalore, which required surgery and ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Rahul decided to part ways with LSG. He scored 1,410 runs for Lucknow at an average of 41.47 and a strike rate of 130.68, including two centuries and ten fifties. Rahul himself admitted that 2023 was his “worst IPL season.”

KL Rahul Has Played for Five IPL Franchises

During his time with Punjab Kings, Rahul faced criticism for his slow strike rate despite being one of the most consistent performers. He was released after the 2021 season.

Before the IPL 2025 mega auction, Delhi Capitals (DC) signed Rahul for ₹14 crore. Batting in the middle order, he scored 539 runs at a strike rate of 149.72, his best in the last seven seasons.

So far, Rahul has represented five IPL franchises and has scored 500+ runs in five consecutive seasons. He is also the only player to score centuries for three different teams, and holds records for being the fastest to 5,000 IPL runs and for scoring a fifty in just 14 balls.

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