IPL 2026 Trades: Complete List of Trade Rumors and Potential Moves

With the IPL’s player-trade window open (June-will continue until seven days before the 2026 player auction), rumors about major transfers have been circulating. No deal is official yet, but multiple sources report that teams are eyeing some big-name moves. For example, Sanju Samson (RR) and KL Rahul (DC) are both being heavily linked with new franchises. Each section below covers one major rumored trade clearly and conversationally – remember, these are speculations circulating online, not confirmed deals. 

Sanju Samson → Chennai Super Kings (RR → CSK)

Chennai Super Kings reportedly want the Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson. A Cricbuzz report confirms CSK is “definitely looking at Sanju” and would “certainly have a look” at trading for the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. CSK has not formally approached RR yet, but a senior CSK source said the franchise is “interested” in Samson if he becomes available. The buzz is that CSK might offer players in return – social media and reports suggest CSK could send Shivam Dube and Ravichandran Ashwin to Rajasthan to get Samson. This as a “blockbuster swap deal,” with Ashwin and Dube moving to RR and Samson joining CSK. (CSK needs a top-order batsman/wicketkeeper to eventually replace MS Dhoni, and Samson fits that profile.) Of course, nothing’s official – CSK has simply confirmed interest, and RR would only trade Samson for a truly worthy replacement.

KL Rahul → Kolkata Knight Riders (DC → KKR)

Another hot rumor involves India opener KL Rahul. After a difficult season at Delhi Capitals, reports say Kolkata Knight Riders have “sent feelers” about trading for Rahul in 2026. Times of India notes KKR is so keen on Rahul that they might even offer him the captaincy – partly because he has a strong rapport with KKR assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. (Rahul himself has praised Nayar for helping his white-ball game.) The catch: KKR doesn’t have obvious trade options to send Delhi, so any deal “is unlikely to work out” unless they figure out a trade package. Separately, some pundits suggest CSK could enter the race for Rahul instead, as Dhoni’s successor. An InsideSport report even speculates CSK is eyeing Rahul over Samson now, since Rahul can bat in many positions and keep wickets – all skills Dhoni provided. In short, KKR is the leading candidate for Rahul, but CSK chatter is also swirling. All of this is purely rumor at the moment

Devon Conway → Gujarat Titans (CSK ↔ GT swap)

Another blockbuster rumor involves Devon Conway (NZ). CSK–GT swap: CSK would trade Devon Conway to the Gujarat Titans and receive Gujarat’s Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia (plus cash) in return. According to some reports, Chennai might send veteran opener Devon Conway to Gujarat Titans in exchange for all-rounders Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia (with cash). In plain terms, CSK (which finished last in 2025) is rumored to be looking for batting depth. In this scenario, Conway goes to GT, and CSK would gain Sundar and Tewatia to bolster their middle order. The report emphasizes CSK’s urgency to revamp and calls this “one high-profile option” under discussion. Again, this swap is unconfirmed rumoring; but it has been spelled out in media as a headline trade ideal.

Ishan Kishan → Mumbai Indians (SRH → MI)

A fourth rumor concerns wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan, who underperformed at Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. The trade preview notes that his former team Mumbai Indians “may make a move to buy Ishan back” during the trade window. Some reports stated that Kishan hasn’t lived up to his big price tag at SRH and suggests MI could try to re-sign their ex-player, “like they bought Hardik Pandya back” years ago. In short: whispers have MI lined up to reacquire Ishan from SRH, given his prior success with Mumbai (though nothing is official).

Venkatesh Iyer → (KKR’s exit, interest from SRH/RCB)

All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is another name linked to trade talk. KKR paid a massive ₹23.75 crore for him in 2025, but he struggled, and reports say KKR may want to “cut their losses”. In fact, some outlets claim Sunrisers Hyderabad are frontrunners to take Iyer off KKR’s hands, eyeing him as a replacement if they drop Ishan Kishan. The same report also mentions that Royal Challengers Bangalore (KKR’s former coach Andy Flower’s team) “remain interested” in Iyer. In short, Venkatesh Iyer is widely rumored to be available – SRH and RCB are the teams most frequently linked to him.

Glenn Maxwell (PBKS) and Liam Livingstone (RCB) – Other Rumors

Glenn Maxwell (AUS, Punjab Kings): After a poor 2025, Maxwell’s name has surfaced in trade chatter. Reports suggest CSK is “circling” Maxwell as a potential target, believing his batting and spin-offer could suit Chepauk’s conditions. (Gujarat Titans were also mentioned as interested in Maxwell.) No deal is confirmed – it’s just speculation that Maxwell might move from PBKS if CSK or another team makes an offer.

Liam Livingstone (ENG, RCB): English all-rounder Livingstone’s future is also being discussed. Since RCB let him down in 2025, rumors say RCB may consider releasing or trading him. The same report notes Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are eyeing Livingstone as a big-hitting mid-order option. In short, if RCB decides to part ways, MI or LSG could swoop in for Livingstone.

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