• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Ipl 2026 Trade Rumours 3 Most Wanted Players And Their Next Season Teams

IPL 2026 Trade Rumours: 3 Most Wanted Players And Their Next Season Teams

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Ishan Kishan For MI [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]Ishan Kishan For MI [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

The IPL 2026 trade window has ignited unprecedented speculation, with franchises scrambling to address tactical gaps through strategic player acquisitions. While numerous stars are generating buzz, three players have emerged as the most coveted assets, triggering intense bidding wars across multiple franchises.

3. Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Despite his disappointing ₹23.75 crore investment yielding only 142 runs in 2025, Venkatesh Iyer remains in high demand due to his left-handed batting and medium pace bowling combination. 

Venkatesh Iyer (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)Venkatesh Iyer (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have repeatedly confirmed their interest, with head coach Andy Flower stating Iyer would have 'had a really great season' in their system.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are positioned as frontrunners, seeking a replacement for potentially outgoing Ishan Kishan. The franchise believes Iyer's number-three record suggests systemic mismanagement rather than inherent deficiency.

Expected deal: A blockbuster swap deal between KKR and RCB, with Iyer moving to Bengaluru in exchange for Liam Livingstone, creating value for both franchises.

2. Ishan Kishan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) 

Despite an inconsistent 2025 campaign, where he scored 354 runs with only two standout performances, Ishan Kishan remains highly sought after due to his proven track record and positional versatility. His left-handed opening ability, combined with his wicketkeeping skills, makes him strategically valuable.

Mumbai Indians are orchestrating a potential homecoming, similar to their successful reacquisition of Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans. The franchise recognises Kishan's past contributions and believes familiar surroundings could resurrect his form.

Additionally, the Kolkata Knight Riders are desperate for a domestic wicketkeeper-batter to free up overseas slots, making them aggressive pursuers.

The competition for Kishan's services highlights the premium placed on Indian wicketkeepers who can also open the batting - a combination that provides tactical flexibility in team selection.

Expected Deal: Mumbai Indians likely to succeed with a ₹12-15 crore deal, potentially involving a player exchange to make the numbers work for both franchises.

 1. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)

Sanju Samson with MS Dhoni [Source: @ms_dhoni_077/x.com]Sanju Samson with MS Dhoni [Source: @ms_dhoni_077/x.com]

Sanju Samson has become the trade window's most prized possession, with his market value skyrocketing from ₹18 crores to an estimated ₹ 25-20 crores. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter represents a rare commodity in modern IPL - a player who combines elite wicketkeeper skills with explosive batting and proven captaincy credentials.

Chennai Super Kings have emerged as the frontrunners, with senior management officially acknowledging their pursuit. "We are definitely looking at Sanju," confirmed a CSK official, identifying him as the perfect successor to MS Dhoni's legacy. The franchise desperately needs a long-term wicketkeeper and, possibly, a captain as Dhoni approaches retirement, making Samson an ideal fit for their succession planning.

However, Kolkata Knight Riders have orchestrated a dramatic late entry, with their scouting department's cryptic social media activity fueling speculation.

Following their leadership crisis in 2025, KKR view Samson as the antidote to their captaincy woes.

Expected Deal: CSK appears most likely to secure Samson through a cash-heavy deal worth ₹25-28 crores, potentially including a player swap to balance the economics.

Conclusion

The 2026 trade window reflects modern IPL team building - franchises prioritising positional needs over recent form. These three players represent tactical solutions to specific franchise requirements, explaining why their market value remains robust despite recent mised performances. The coming weeks will determine which speculative narratives crsytallize into championship-altering realities.