KL Rahul Set To Lead KKR In IPL 2026? Former Champions Explore Possibility – Cricket.com

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are planning a sensational swoop for KL Rahul through a trade deal, according to a report on The Times of India. Moreover, the three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions are thinking of making the Karnataka batter their captain for the upcoming season as well.
Rahul was bought by Delhi Capitals (DC) last season for INR 14 crore and ended the season with 539 runs – the most for his team – at a strike rate of 149.72. 
According to the same report, the KKR management are believed to have reached out to the player enquiring about the possibility of him switching.  “However, the deal is unlikely to work out as KKR don't have anybody they can trade to the Delhi Capitals in return,” the source said. 
Another reason why KKR are confident of getting Rahul in is his equation with Abhishek Nayar, with whom he spent plenty of time during the latter's time as India's assistant coach. 
"I've worked really hard on my white-ball game the last year or so. Big shoutout to Abhishek Nayar. I've worked a lot with him ever since he's come into the Indian team. We've spent hours and hours together talking about my white-ball game and how I can be better. We worked hours and hours together in Bombay, and somewhere I have found the fun playing white-ball cricket," Rahul had said during the IPL.
Ajinkya Rahane led KKR last season, and they finished eighth in the points table, winning just five matches. They let go of Shreyas Iyer, who led them to the title in 2024.
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