10 Crazy Trades That Can Happen Ahead of IPL 2026
Blockbuster IPL Trade Rumors
The major blockbuster IPL 2026 trade rumor centers on a potential swap deal between RR and CSK, which would involve Sanju Samson moving to CSK in exchange for star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Apart from them, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami are the other players, rumored with trade deals.
Mohammed Shami (SRH to MI)
Several reports suggest that Mumbai Indians have made trade inquiries for the seasoned Indian pacer, Mohammed Shami, ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad seemed to have firmly rejected all trade offers for the INR 11.25 crore bowler despite moderate returns last season, with an intention to retain his experience.
Heinrich Klaasen (SRH to LSG)
Despite his phenomenal strike rate and consistent performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad, speculation has mounted that Heinrich Klaasen, retained for a massive INR 23 crores, might be released to free up significant funds for the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Lucknow Super Giants have shown interest in the South African, in case he is available.
Sam Curran (CSK to RR)
Sam Curran is currently a key part of an intense three-way trade rumor ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Reports suggest that Chennai Super Kings is planning a blockbuster swap with Rajasthan Royals, which would see Sanju Samson move to CSK, with Curran and fellow all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja heading to RR in a high-profile deal.
Ishan Kishan (SRH to RR/KKR)
Three IPL franchises, including KKR, RR and MI, have approached Sunrisers Hyderabad about a trade or an all-cash deal for Ishan Kishan ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. KKR is reportedly keen on acquiring the Indian wicketkeeper-batter to strengthen their top-order batting, as well a poor previous season with their foreign options.
Venkatesh Iyer (KKR to RCB)
One of the most expensive players in IPL history, Venkatesh Iyer's trade rumors are highly active due to his massive INR 23.75 crore price tag at KKR and his underwhelming performance last season. Speculation suggests KKR may release him to free up purse money for the mini-auction, with RCB interesting in acquiring his services.
Washington Sundar (GT to CSK)
The buzz around Washington Sundar's potential move to CSK has been in the air for a while now, with the Men in Yellow keen to acquire the Tamil Nadu all-rounder to bolster their spin department. However, current reports indicate that Gujarat Titans have definitively rejected CSK's approach, viewing Sundar as a key player for the future.
KL Rahul (DC to KKR)
With Kolkata Knight Riders in need of a wicket-keeper batter and a captain, KL Rahul's has emerged as the best option. However, a trade deal is currently on a roadblock because KKR has rejected DC's proposed player-swap deals, which reportedly included demanding core players like Rinku Singh and Varun Chakravarthy in exchange.
Ravindra Jadeja (CSK to RR)
Part of a blockbuster trade deal, Chennai Super Kings' veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja might be on his way out, to join Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026. The reported deal involves a swap for RR captain Sanju Samson, while the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder would return to the franchise where his IPL journey began in 2008.
Sanju Samson (RR to CSK)
Another player who is a part of the much-publicized three-player deal between CSK and RR ahead of IPL 2026, Sanju Samson is on the verge of joining the five-time IPL winners. The deal is reported to be a swap that would see Ravindra Jadeja move to RR, while CSK takes in Samson as a long-term wicket-keeper and a potential successor to MS Dhoni.
Rohit Sharma (MI to KKR)
Amid speculation sparked by a change in captaincy and a new coach at Kolkata Knight Riders, rumors of a potential Rohit Sharma trade from Mumbai Indians for IPL 2026 have gained traction. However, MI emphatically shut down the speculation with a witty social media post, ensuring fans that a move is 'impossible'.
