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Gaikwad To Leave CSK Captaincy? Shocking IPL Trade Deals That Could Shake The League

Anurag Dasgupta

Shocking trade deals which can happen [Source: @iplt20.com] Shocking trade deals which can happen [Source: @iplt20.com]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is still 8 months away, but the buzz has already started as all ten teams are fighting it out to strengthen their squad ahead of the next season. The mini auction provides them a chance to bolster squad, however, even before the auction, teams can pick new players using the trade deals.

Rumours have already circulated for some big trade deals, including that of Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings. However, there are some shocking deals which could take place ahead of the mini auction, and here are a few of them which could change the landscape of the IPL.

1) Ruturaj Gaikwad to move out of CSK?

  • Gaikwad is the captain of the Chennai Super Kings, but midway through the last season, the skipper got injured and was ruled out of the tournament before MS Dhoni was once again appointed the captain.
  • However, CSK are already in talks with Sanju Samson as they are planning to bring him to bolster the squad. If Samson does get traded to CSK, there is a good chance that he might ask for captaincy of the franchise, but CSK already have Gaikwad as their permanent skipper.
  • There is no chance that the RR captain, Samson gets drafted to CSK and he doesn't ask for leadership role. This move could infuriate Gaikwad, who could try and move away from the franchise, in order to lead a different IPL side. The possibility for such a move is low, but in IPL, anything can happen.

Which franchises can target Gaikwad?

There are a couple of franchises which can go after the CSK skipper. For starters, KKR will go after him, as they need a solid opener and a captain. Also, LSG is a solid option, since Gaikwad can open, and can bat at number 3, and with Pant at number 4, things look sorted for him there.

2) Yashasvi Jaiswal to get a big move?

  • When Sanju Samson got injured last season, many expected Yashasvi Jaiswal to take over captaincy duties from him. However, RR pulled off a surprise as Riyan Parag was appointed the captain instead of the opening batter. As per reports, this created a rift between Jaiswal and RR as the batter was hoping for a leadership role.
  • Jaiswal is a big name in Indian cricket and any franchise would love to have him as their opener and captain. There is a good chance that during the trade window, one or more than one franchise could approach the RR batter for a trade move - which could be an all-cash deal or a player swap.

Which franchises will target Jaiswal

The likes of Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Lucknow Super Giants all have one thing in common - they need an opener and a captain. DC, and KKR, especially are in dire need of a solid opener and could move for Jaiswal if the RR batter is interested in a trade deal.

3) Shocking move for Rishabh Pant

Now, the chances of Rishabh Pant moving away from Lucknow Super Giants are slim, but in IPL, anything can happen. Pant was bought for INR 27 crore last season, and the captain/batter failed miserably as the team failed to reach the playoffs. 

  • LSG owner, Sanjiv Goenka, is ruthless when it comes to making shock moves. He sacked MS Dhoni as the captain in RPSG, and also removed KL Rahul from the team. He wants guaranteed success, and don't be surprised if Pant is on the way out.

Which franchises will target Pant

Could a reunion with DC be a possibility?. The franchise and Pant share a great bond, and the Capitals certainly need a big money player, and could move for their former player. His comeback would also mean that DC will have three captaincy options in Pant, Axar Patel, and KL Rahul.