![KL Rahul while playing for LSG vs KKR [Source: AFP Media]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1753945433058_kl_rahul_kkr(1).jpg?type=mq)
KL Rahul while playing for LSG vs KKR [Source: AFP Media]
The Kolkata Knight Riders are considered one of the three big teams of the IPL in terms of performance, along with Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings. They won the title in IPL 2024 under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, but the following season in 2025 was not as successful for them.
After their rather dull 2025 season, it seems the franchise is set for a total restructure. We have already seen that the management has parted ways with their Head Coach, Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach, Bharat Arun.
Now, according to the latest news, they are also trying to reform their squad, and one of their prime targets is KL Rahul. As reported by Gaurav Gupta, a reporter of the Times of India, the 2024 champions are trying to trade the Indian batter from the Delhi Capitals.
Why KKR Is Trying To Sign KL Rahul
The IPL trade window is currently open, and the teams are permitted to sign players from other franchises for the next season. KKR are trying to acquire KL Rahul to address the multiple problems they faced during the last season.
First of all, Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz did not deliver as expected for them as wicket-keepers and openers. The inclusion of Rahul will surely go a long way in solving this problem.
Second, Ajinkya Rahane struggled as the skipper of the Knights. The fans were seen criticising the decisions of Rahane, the skipper, during the middle phase of IPL 2025. Rahul has the experience of leading a franchise in the grandest league in the world, and hence, KKR will get a genuine captaincy candidate for IPL 2026.
Third, the inclusion of KL Rahul will give them an opener and wicket-keeper who is Indian. This opens up an overseas slot for them. Thus, with the arrival of KL Rahul, KKR will have better flexibility and dynamism to select their playing combination.
The Possible Trade Deal
During the IPL 2025 auction, KKR bought Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 Cr. However, by the end of the tournament, it turned out to be one of the most disastrous buys of the season. It could be that KKR offers Iyer to bring Rahul into their squad. Notably, KL was bought by DC during the IPL 2025 auction for ₹14 Cr.
Besides this, the two franchises might also agree on an all-cash deal. It could turn out that KKR acquires KL in exchange for money, but for that to happen, the 2024 champions need to release a few players to accommodate the Indian batter.
