Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have shown interest in signing Delhi Capitals (DC) wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. After Abhishek Nayar took over as head coach, the team is looking for a captain, especially as they no longer view Ajinkya Rahane as a suitable option for the role.
KKR had a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign under Ajinkya Rahane. They had parted ways with former captain Shreyas Iyer, who had guided them to the 2024 title. The Kolkata team failed to deliver consistent performances in the recent season. KKR didn’t qualify for the playoffs after finishing eighth in the table.
Kolkata Knight Riders Desperately Trying to Sign KL Rahul
According to first post, the Kolkata Knight Riders are desperately trying to sign KL Rahul, but their attempts with the Delhi Capitals have hit multiple hurdles. Both teams held early discussions, but nothing has moved forward despite several informal meetings between Rahul and KKR’s management.
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Delhi Capitals explored multiple swap options to make the deal work. They proposed different combinations, including Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Harshit Rana. KKR, however, were unwilling to part with Rinku, one of their most valuable performers, and rejected all three proposals.
With KKR unwilling to trade high-quality players to DC, the negotiations have stalled. DC made it clear that if KKR wants their marquee wicketkeeper-batsman, they must offer someone of equal stature. However, KKR have so far been reluctant to do so.
KL Rahul’s Performances for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025
KL Rahul moved to the Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2025. He scored 539 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 149.72, including a century and three fifties. He became the quickest player to cross 5,000 IPL runs. The batsman has scored over 5,200 runs with five centuries and 40 half-centuries.
Before joining Delhi, Rahul led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for three years but was released ahead of the 2025 mega auction. He had faced criticism over his strike rate during his time with Lucknow.
In international cricket, KL Rahul has featured in 72 T20Is for India, scoring more than 2,200 runs with two centuries and 22 half-centuries. He last played for India in the format during the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal against England.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Wicketkeeping Options Misfired Last Season
Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for ₹23.75 crore at the previous mega auction, failed to deliver in IPL 2025, managing only 142 runs in 11 games at an average of 20.29 and a strike rate of 139.22.
Their wicketkeeping options also misfired last season. Quinton de Kock scored only 152 runs in eight matches, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed just 74 runs in the limited chances he received.
The Kolkata-based side is expected to release Iyer and possibly buy him back at a lower price if needed. They are also likely to part ways with their injury-prone fast-bowling group, including Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson, and Umran Malik, to free up significant funds.
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