KL Rahul has once again found himself at the centre of IPL trade chatter after a cheeky comment on a podcast sparked speculation about his future with the Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
The Delhi Capitals batter, who joined the franchise for 14 crore before IPL 2025, was asked about his frequent switches between teams during his IPL career. When the hosts compared his journey to that of former Australia white-ball captain Aaron Finch — who famously played for nine different IPL teams — Rahul grinned and replied, “I’m also not too far.”
The offhand remark has since fuelled rumours that Rahul may be open to yet another move before the next season, despite a strong first year with Delhi.
Rahul was one of Delhi’s top performers in IPL 2025, scoring 539 runs in 13 matches, including a century and three fifties, silencing critics who had questioned his strike rate in previous years. His form was pivotal in helping the Capitals finish among the top four, but the 32-year-old’s comments have left fans wondering whether another high-profile trade could be on the horizon.
According to reports, three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are among the franchises exploring a possible deal for the Indian opener. KKR, who endured a disappointing 2025 campaign after appointing Ajinkya Rahane as captain, are believed to be in the market for an experienced leader. Rahul’s history with KKR’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar — who has worked closely with him in the past — has added further intrigue to the rumours.
However, a potential trade could prove tricky. Delhi Capitals are unlikely to release their captain easily, and KKR reportedly lack a player of equivalent value to offer in exchange. “The deal is unlikely to work out as KKR don’t have anybody they can trade to the Delhi Capitals in return,” a source told The Times of India.
Still, Rahul’s comment and his track record as one of the IPL’s most consistent performers — having crossed 500 runs in seven of the last eight seasons — have ensured that the buzz around his future refuses to die down.
For now, the Delhi Capitals star remains focused on national duty in England, but his playful remark has once again reminded the cricket world that in the IPL, even a joke can ignite a storm.
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