Phil Salt With RCB and KKR - (Source: @Johns/X.com)
The preparations for IPL 2026 are in full swing as the trade window is open and franchises are busy figuring out the weak links within the team. The trade window will be open until a week before IPL auctions, and several teams, who didn't have a great season, would look to utilise this opportunity to better their squad.
The mini-auction is also there in December, but the likelihood of big names going under the hammer is bleak. Rather, the trade window is a great option for teams like CSK, SRH, and KKR, who were the most troubled sides in IPL 2025.
Shedding light on KKR, the three-time winners saw a massive downfall as they were the defending champions in 2024 and finished eighth with just five wins in the entire season. Thus, this article will shed light on three former players KKR should retarget via trade for the upcoming season.
1. Phil Salt
Why Should KKR Target Salt?
One of the major reasons behind KKR's downfall in IPL 2025 was their unsuccessful opening pair. Quinton de Kock, Sunil Narine, and also Rahmanullah Gurbaz failed to provide the desired start at the top, and the three-time winners missed Salt.
Notably, Salt scored 435 runs in 12 innings, averaging 39.55. Even in the matches where Salt failed to score big, he gave a positive start and batted with a 182 strike-rate.
Further, Salt's release came as a shocker for fans, and it hurt them further to see the England opener shine in IPL 2025 and be a key contributor to RCB's title-winning season.
The right-handed batter scored 403 runs in 13 innings, averaging 33.58 in IPL 2025 for RCB.
How Should KKR Approach This Trade?
It is certain that RCB won't let go of Salt so easily, which is why KKR have the option to release Venkatesh Iyer for the upcoming season and increase their purse value to make an all-cash deal, which might impress RCB.
Further, there is another option to trade Salt with Venkatesh Iyer. Notably, Iyer was on Challenger's list, and they nearly had him in the auction. However, looking at Iyer's performance in IPL 2025, RCB might not proceed ahead, but KKR should make the attempt anyhow.
2. Nitish Rana
Why KKR Should Bring Back Nitish Rana?
Nitish Rana, who once led KKR in Shreyas Iyer's absence, was released last year and moved to the Rajasthan Royals for just 4.20 crore. Rana had an average season with the bat and looked a misfit with the Royals.
Recently, he donned a KKR cap, sparking rumours of his return via trade. The reason why Knight Riders should actually revert to Rana is to strengthen their middle-order line-up and also widen up captaincy choices for the coming year.
Practically, Ajinkya Rahane is ageing, Venkatesh Iyer is not doing well, which leaves KKR to look at their previous stars, who have done well for the franchise and know the system from within, which Nitish fits the best.
How Can KKR Approach The Trade?
Bringing back Nitish Rana should be a difficult task for the Knight Riders, as an all-cash deal won't be a big blow to their purse value and preparations for IPL 2026 mini-auctions.
KKR can trade the likes of Ramandeep Singh or Manish Pandey to bring back Nitish Rana at the helm of things for IPL 2026.
3. Mitchell Starc
Why Should KKR Bring Back Starc?
One of the major reasons why KKR left Mitchell Starc from the squad was his inability to take wickets in the group stages. Notably, Starc was lethal in the playoffs, but looked a pale shadow of his prime version in the group stage.
However, Star worked on that and produced results for the Delhi Capitals. The left-arm seamer took a five-wicket haul and also won the match single-handedly against the Rajasthan Royals. He took 14 wickets in 10 matches.
How Can KKR Trade Mitchell Starc?
To bring in Starc, a value around 10 crore should do the job, given he went for 11.75 crore during IPL 2025, which was one of the biggest downfall for a player between two seasons. Thus, KKR should opt for a all-cash deal to bring in the Australia powerhouse.
