KKR ready to release 3 top players to trade KL Rahul
KL Rahul: Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction expected to be held on December 13-15, 2025. In a pre-auction development, reports suggest that KL Rahul will join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2026, which is likely to end his tenure with Delhi Capitals after just one season.
With the IPL trade window currently open, both the franchises are reportedly in advanced discussions – with DC keen to bring in Sanju Samson and Rahul expected to move to Kolkata. KKR’s general needs (like finding a top-order wicketkeeper-batter and a captain), here are three players who have been frequently mentioned as potential releases:
Quinton de Kock:
As an overseas wicketkeeper-batter, his release would free up an important overseas slot and significant purse value, especially if KKR is looking for an Indian wicketkeeper-batter (like KL Rahul or Sanju Samson, though those trades are also currently stalled) or another overseas option. He reportedly had an underwhelming IPL 2025 season.
Moeen Ali:
Moeen Ali is an overseas all-rounder who was picked as a spin option alongside Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. Reports suggest his role diminished, and his release would free up another overseas spot and purse, which KKR could use to target a different type of overseas player or an impact middle-order Indian batter.
Ajinkya Rahane:
The experienced Indian batter was reportedly named captain for IPL 2025 but may be released ahead of the auction. Reports suggest he is not considered a natural fit for the side’s long-term plans, and his release would be part of a strategy to bring in a new, long-term Indian captain/top-order player.
KL Rahul is an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman known for his consistent run-scoring in the IPL, especially since the 2018 season.1 He has captained the Punjab Kings and the Lucknow Super Giants.2
KL Rahul IPL stastistics:
IPL Debut – 2013
Total Matches – 145 (up to IPL 2025)
Total Runs – Over 5,200
Highest Score – 132* (for Kings XI Punjab)
Centuries / Fifties – 5 Centuries / 40 Fifties
Orange Cap – 1 (2020 season, 670 runs)
Notable Record Joint-fastest fifty in IPL history (14 balls)
If the trade between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders goes through, Rahul KL is all set to replace the KKR playing XI before IPL 2026.
Also Read: RCB Released Players for IPL 2026: 5 surprise name in list
