Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan & More: Top 5 Big Trade Rumours for IPL 2026

There are indications that some big changes may happen in the new IPL trade window this time. We can expect some player transfers in the trade window before the upcoming mini-auction. The trade window will give franchises the option to buy and sell players in various ways.
Either the players can be exchanged between franchises. Or the teams can try to trade players along with cash. The third option is a cash-only trade. Whichever option is adopted, the trade will only happen if the IPL governing body approves it. This time, we may see some trades that may surprise cricket fans.
Ishan Kishan (SRH to MI)
Sunrisers Hyderabad's Ishan Kishan has not been able to perform as expected last season. SRH spent a huge amount of 11.25 crores on him in the last mega auction.If we ignore the century in his first match, Ishan hasn’t really lived up to the price tag. He has scored 354 runs in 14 matches, but 200 of those runs came from just two games.
His former team Mumbai Indians, may make a move to buy Ishan back in the trade window. He has shown many brilliant performances for them. There are chances of bringing Ishan back to Mumbai, like they bought Hardik Pandya back from the Gujarat Titans earlier.
Sanju Samson (RR to CSK)
Right now, the cricket world is buzzing about one big move, Sanju Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, is at the center of it all. There are reports that he may move to five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the trade window.
CSK needs a replacement for former legendary captain and wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, who is about to retire. Sanju is the best fit for this role. So they will go to any lengths for him. Chennai is releasing R Ashwin and also offering money to get Sanju Samson.
Venkatesh Iyer (KKR to SRH)
Next on the list is Kolkata Knight Riders' Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer. KKR's biggest mistake in the last mega auction was bringing him back for Rs 23.75 crore.
The move ended in disaster. Venkatesh scored just 142 runs in 11 matches at an average of 20.28.
Sunrisers Hyderabad might look at him at number three instead if Ishan Kishan is dropped. Venkatesh's record in this position is also very good.
Glenn Maxwell (PBKS to CSK, GT)
Australian star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell may move from the Punjab Kings to another team in the trade window. Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans are the teams that are likely to show interest in him.
Punjab bought Maxi for 4.2 crores in the last mega auction. But he turned out to be a big disaster. While he was a complete failure in batting, he only showed a little improvement in bowling. Finally, Maxi withdrew due to injury.
Liam Livingstone (RCB to MI or LSG)
England's legendary all-rounder Liam Livingston is also likely to make a place in the trade window. Royal Challengers Bangalore bought him for 8.75 crores in the last mega sale. But Livingston has scored only 112 runs in 10 games.
The defending champions RCB, may consider selling him in the trade window. Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad are the teams that are likely to come in for Livingston.
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