After a harmless joke made on a podcast, KL Rahul is once again being talked about in trade speculation. Fans couldn't stop themselves from speculating about his future with the Delhi Capitals post IPL 2026 mini-auction just because of that one comment.
The Delhi Capitals captain, who was bought by the franchise for ₹14 crore before the 2025 season, was asked about his frequent team changes in the IPL. When the hosts compared his career path to that of Aaron Finch - the Australian who is known for representing nine different IPL teams - Rahul smiled and said, "I'm also not too far." The clever comeback of the India star immediately led to the conversation that he might be hinting at moving to another team, even though he has made a brilliant debut season for Delhi.
KKR reportedly eyeing KL Rahul amid trade speculation
KL Rahul was definitely one of Delhi's major contributors in IPL 2025, as he made 539 runs in 13 games, which also comprised a hundred and three half-centuries - thereby proving wrong the loud critics who were always doubting his strike rate. His steady batting was the main reason for the Capitals to finish the season among the top four.
Nevertheless, the reports are suggesting that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might be making a move for the 32-year-old player before the next season. The three-time champions, Rahane-led KKR lost the plot last season, and as a result, the management is most likely looking for a veteran leader who can bring stability. Rumours of Rahul reuniting with KKR's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who is widely recognised as a mentor for numerous Indian players, have only been intensified by this.
That said, any trade could be complicated. According to The Times of India, Delhi are unlikely to part ways with their captain, while KKR reportedly lack a player of equivalent value to make a fair exchange.
“The deal is unlikely to work out as KKR don’t have anybody they can trade to the Delhi Capitals in return,” a source told TOI.
Despite the logistical hurdles, Rahul’s comment — combined with his record of scoring 500-plus runs in seven of the last eight IPL seasons, has kept speculation alive.
For now, the Delhi Capitals captain remains focused on his international duties in England, but his playful quip has once again reminded fans that in the IPL, even a passing joke can ignite a storm of rumours.
