KL Rahul and Shivam Dube - (Source : AFP)
The rumour of Sanju Samson asking Rajasthan Royals for a trade has sent the cricketing world into shockwave as the star keeper-batter is most likely to end a seven-year-long association with the franchise.
Further, Samson has been the face of the team for several seasons and has also led the team since 2021. Now with Samson, out available in the trade market, this article will look at a player from each team with a motive to opt for a trade.
1. Chennai Super Kings - Shivam Dube
Why Should Dube Opt For A Trade?
-Shivam Dube looked like a pale shadow of his previous version in IPL 2025 and failed to click as the southpaw amassed 357 runs in 14 innings, averaging 32. It was his worst performance since IPL 2022, and the motive to get better and find a new challenge should motivate the CSK star to play for another franchise.
-In IPL 2025, Dube was used more as a floater, and the strategy didn't work as Dube struggled to click. Thus, Shivam should look for a team that offers him a fixed place in the middle order.
Why Should CSK Allow Dube's Trade?
-CSK will be able to free up 12 crores, which is a good amount, and they will be able to buy new stars and strengthen their squad
- The requirement of aggressive batters was fulfilled after signing Dewald Brevis, who did a tremendous job in the middle-order.
2. Delhi Capitals - KL Rahul
Who Should KL Rahul Opt For A Trade?
-The urge to play for a higher-valued team, as Delhi Capitals did well in IPL 2025, but weren't strong enough to fight for the title. Thus, Rahul should join a franchise, part of the top four - KKR, MI, CSK, and RCB.
-Rahul's position too was experimented with during IPL 2025, which saw a roller-coaster of a season from the India star as he scored 539 runs in 13 innings. Thus, a new team that offers him a fixed batting order and most probably a chance to lead the team would be a step forward for KL.
Why Should Delhi Allow The Trade?
-The interest from other teams for Rahul and the amount they are ready to offer would draw an immense profit for the Capitals, as they bought KL for just 13.75 crores. Selling him for a 20 cr margin would be a great deal for the Capitals.
-Rahul amassed runs in IPL 2025, but batted with a 150 strike-rate. This was a big difference between the two teams, as his batting rate was constantly questioned, and by the amount received through his trade, DC can buy more explosive batters in the auction.
3. Gujarat Titans - Rashid Khan
Why Should Rashid Opt For A Trade?
-Rashid had a poor season with GT in 2025 and took just 9 wickets. He has only 19 wickets in the last two seasons and is struggling at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Thus, Khan should look for a new challenge where the wickets support his bowling style.
Why Should GT Allow His Trade?
-Rashid earns 18 crores, and GT shouldn't mind giving up on Khan to get 18 cr. Rather, Gujarat can contact CSK for that amount and look to bring in their former star Noor Ahmad, who had a stellar season with the Kings in 2025.
4. KKR - Venkatesh Iyer
Why Should Iyer Opt For A Trade?
-Iyer, who was bought for 23.75 crores in the IPL 2025 auction, had one of the most disappointing seasons, where he scored just 142 runs in the entire season. KKR have a lot of fixes, and Iyer moving out of the team will be a win-win situation for both KKR and the southpaw.
Why Should KKR Release Iyer?
-It is a no-brainer, as Iyer failed to perform and releasing him or trading him would be crucial for KKR. Even if releasing Iyer at a lower cost, it shouldn't be a concern, as it allows them to buy new stars ahead of the new season.
5. LSG - Ravi Bishnoi
Why Should Ravi Bishnoi Opt For Trade?
-Second Priority Spinner in the Team: Notably, after the introduction of Digvesh Rathi, Bishnoi has taken a backseat, and all of a sudden, Rathi became the primary spinner, who bowled the crucial overs.
Why Should LSG Allow The Trade?
-LSG have solved their spinner's problem and trading Bishnoi for 11 crores, would make a great financial deal.
6. Mumbai Indians - Deepak Chahar
Why Should Chahar Opt For A Trade?
-Deepak Chahar often crumbles under pressure and has played most of his IPL career for top teams. Thus, Chahar should move to a lower-placed team, where he wouldn't feel the same heat and also get a chance to be the primary bowler rather than a first or second change, which he is in Mumbai.
Why Should MI Trade Deepak Chahar?
-Notably, MI have a great bowling attack, but Chahar is an injury-prone player and suffered a concern during IPL 2025 as well, which saw MI's attack crumbling. Thus, the Indians should target a more fitter player as they already have Jasprit Bumrah, another injury-prone star.
7. Punjab Kings - Glenn Maxwell
Why Should Glenn Maxwell Opt For A Trade?
-Maxwell's IPL 2025 was also disastrous with the bat, which eventually led to his ouster from the team. Eventually, the Australian batter was ruled out of the league because of injury. Meanwhile, his replacement, Mitchell Owen, has been doing well in the other leagues, which should prompt Maxwell to look for another team as he faces strong competition.
Why Should Punjab Allow The Trade?
-PBKS have got a great like-for-like replacement for the upcoming season, and by trading Maxwell in an all-cash deal, they can free up to 4.2 crores.
8. Rajasthan Royals - Sanju Samson
Why Should Sanju Samson Opt For A Trade?
-For Rajasthan, it is quite obvious because Sanju has opted for a trade, due to reportedly serious differences with the management. Thus, the keeper-batter is looking for a better role and opportunity.
Why Should RR Allow The Trade?
-Rajasthan Royals should allow Samson's trade to not harm their brand value and also free up 18 crores, from which they can strengthen their squad.
9. RCB - Liam Livingstone
Why Should Livingstone Opt For A Trade?
-The only weak link in RCB's attack was Liam Livingstone, and the England star also faces competition from Jacob Bethell, who did well with the bat and can bowl as well.
Why Should RCB Allow The Trade?
-The reason why RCB should allow the trade is to have better options at their helm from other teams without spending money, as they shouldn't have any objections to Livingstone's transfer.
10. SRH - Ishan Kishan
Why Should Ishan Kishan Opt For A Trade?
Ishan Kishan started IPL 2025 with a century, but registered a string of poor performances and felt as if he didn't click at No.3 for SRH. Ishan scored 354 runs in 13 innings and averaged 35. However, SRH should look for a genuine No.3 batter for upcoming season.
Why Should SRH Allow The Trade?
SRH have all explosive batters at the top and the strategy didn't click during IPL 2025 and the Men in Orange require stability in the middle-order. Thus, SRH can trade Ishan for a more stable middle-order batter.
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