KKR Eyeing KL Rahul In Trade Deal; Which Players Could DC Ask In Return

Anurag Dasgupta

Players who could be traded to DC [Source: @iplt20.com] Players who could be traded to DC [Source: @iplt20.com]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is still 8 months away, but the buzz has already started, especially with the IPL trade window open. This window allows all ten teams to bolster their side in trade deals with other franchises. The window gets opened for a brief period, and closes as the mini auction approaches.

Some of the trade rumours have already picked up pace, with Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings heating up. However, another trade news that has picked up business is KL Rahul to the Kolkata Knight Riders.

KL Rahul joined DC ahead of the 2025 season, as the franchise spent 14 crores on him. However, just after one season, KKR is eyeing him, and as per reports, the deal could potentially go through. If KKR do get their man, here are 3 players DC could potentially ask to be included in a trade deal.

1) Venkatesh Iyer

KKR acquired star all-rounder, Venkatesh Iyer, for a whopping 23.75 crore, but the decision backfired as the KKR player failed to live up to the expectations and couldn't deliver the goods.

Criterion
Data
Matches11
Runs142
Average20.29
Strike rate139.22

(Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025 stats)

As the numbers tell the story, Venkatesh had a poor IPL season, amassing just 142 runs. KKR felt their 23.75 crore went in drain, but the player could have an escape route via a DC call-up.

Why DC would want Venkatesh Iyer in place of KL Rahul?

The all-rounder can bat in multiple positions in the top five - a trait which is similar to KL Rahul. Venkatesh can open, can play at number 3, 4, and 5, and this flexibility is something DC loves. Plus, the high-scoring Arun Jaitley surface will benefit his style of play.

2) Ramandeep Singh

Ramandeep Singh had an outstanding IPL season in 2024, where he played the finisher's role to perfection. However, last season, just like other KKR players, Ramandeep's form dipped massively.

Just 47 runs in 11 matches, and the strike rate down from 201 (in 2024), to 134 (in 2025). He is an exceptional finisher, and if DC are preparing to push Tristan Stubbs up in the middle-order, the franchise needs a quality number 6, or 7, someone who could finish off the game in style.

This is where Ramandeep comes into action. He has the experience of playing that role, and KKR wouldn't mind releasing him, since they already have Rinku Singh, and Andre Russell.

3) Vaibhav Arora

Why DC would love to include him in trade deal?

Criterion
Data
Matches12
Dismissals
17
Average25.29
Economy10.12

(Vaibhav in IPL 2025)

As the numbers tell the story, Vaibhav Arora was KKR's star pacer, and scalped 17 wickets in 12 matches, and often used to be the man to break crucial partnerships. Plus, DC are likely to release, T Natarajan, and Mohit Sharma, who had underwhelming IPL season in 2025.

This will allow the franchise to go after a quality fast bowler in Vaibhav Arora. However, the deal could be a difficult one, since KKR do not have a quality pacer apart from him, and any trade deal might have to include a hefty amount of money.