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Sanju Samson For Venky Iyer: Potential Trade Deals RR And KKR Could Crack Before IPL 2026

Debashis Sarangi

Sanju Samson and Venkatesh Iyer [Source: AFP]Sanju Samson and Venkatesh Iyer [Source: AFP]

Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders had a torrid time in the 2025 Indian Premier League season. While RR finished ninth in the points table, KKR claimed the eighth spot in the ten-team standings with just five wins in 14 matches. 

However, both teams have a golden opportunity to fine-tune their squads during the trade window ahead of the next season. Therefore, as both franchises look to revamp their setup, here are three potential trades that could prove beneficial for RR and KKR before IPL 2026.

Sanju Samson - Venkatesh Iyer

KKR's needs that could be fulfilled through this trade - WK opener, Captaincy option

RR's needs that could be fulfilled through this trade - Reliable number 3 batter to follow Jaiswal and Suryavanshi
  • Several reports have made it clear that Sanju Samson will likely be traded from RR to another team ahead of the 2026 season. While CSK have apparently refused to trade Jadeja, Dube and Gaikwad in exchange for Samson, KKR could grab the opportunity by offering Venkatesh Iyer to the Royals. 
  • If RR release Samson, they will need a reliable Indian top-order player to bat at three. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi opening the batting, RR can comfortably allot the number three slot to Iyer, who has performed well at that position in the IPL. 
  • Statistically, Venkatesh Iyer has amassed 562 runs at a superb average of 43.23 and a strike rate of 168.77 at number three in the IPL. However, KKR used Ajinkya Rahane at that spot and demoted Iyer down the order, which affected his performance in the IPL 2025. 
  • Therefore, Samson can solve KKR's top-order keeper-batter woe, while Iyer can add immense value to the RR lineup as a number three batter. Thus, this deal has the potential to benefit both the franchises ahead of the next season. 

Shimron Hetmyer - Ramandeep Singh

KKR's need that could be fulfilled through this trade: Genuine number 5 batter to accompany Rahane and Raghuvanshi

RR's need that could be fulfilled through this trade: Seam-bowling all-rounder who can hit a long ball

  • Shimron Hetmyer and Ramandeep Singh had forgettable seasons with RR and KKR, respectively, in the IPL 2025. While the West Indies batter struck 239 runs at an average of 21.73, Ramandeep could score only 47 runs at a horrendous average of 9.40. 
  • However, a swap of these two players could actually work wonders for both of them. KKR actually need a dependable batter to stabilise their middle order, while RR are searching for a seam-bowling all-rounder. 
  • The abysmal returns of Venky Iyer, Rinku Singh and Andre Russell exposed KKR's middle order in IPL 2025; so, Hetmyer could be an excellent addition to bolster their batting lineup. 
  • Additionally, the Knight Riders have a special liking towards West Indies powerhitters, having purchased Russell, Narine and Rovman Powell in the past. Thus, KKR can definitely provide Hetmyer with an ideal platform to thrive as a middle-order enforcer, while RR can utilise Ramandeep Singh's lower-order hitting and medium-pace bowling with precision. 

Quinton de Kock - Fazalhaq Farooqi

KKR's need that could be fulfilled through this trade: Low-budget WK top-order batter

RR's need that could be fulfilled through this trade: Left-arm new-ball bowler amid struggles of Nortje and Johnson

  • If Sanju Samson leaves the Royals camp, RR will have to pick a wicketkeeper who can bat at the top order. In such a scenario, Quinton de Kock could be an option worth considering for them, given how he has performed in the IPL over the years. 
  • De Kock's inconsistent returns for KKR (152 runs at an average of 21.71) might prompt them to release him if RR demand the South African in exchange for one of their players. This move could solve the scarcity of quality keeper-batters in the RR squad. Meanwhile, if KKR manage to secure the services of Fazalhaq Farooqi, it could empower them with a decent overseas new-ball bowling option in the IPL. 
  • Although the Knight Riders have Vaibhav Arora as their new-ball bowler, Anrich Nortje's injury issues and Spencer Johnson's inconsistency could force them to bring in Farooqi as an overseas recruit. Although the Afghan seamer looked ordinary in the 2025 edition, he has the calibre to exploit the more lively conditions of the Eden Gardens if he's given an opportunity by the Knight Riders management.