The cricket world is buzzing with excitement after RCB finally won their first IPL trophy in 2025.
But now, all attention has shifted to the IPL 2026 Trade Players List and what surprises await fans.
The pre-auction trade window is officially open, and teams are already making their moves.
Trading in the IPL is like a chess game where teams swap players to build stronger squads. Think of it as a player exchange program between cricket teams.
Some big names might change their jerseys, while others will stay loyal to their current teams.
The trading window gives teams a chance to fix their weaknesses before the main auction.
With rumors flying everywhere, fans are trying to guess which players will move where.
Will KL Rahul join the Delhi Capitals? Could Rishabh Pant switch to the Mumbai Indians? These questions are keeping cricket lovers on the edge of their seats.
Trading isn’t just about moving players around. It’s about team strategy, building better combinations, and creating winning formulas.
Contents
- 1 IPL 2026 Trade Players List
- 1.1 Latest Trade Rumors – IPL 2026 (As of Sept 2025)
- 1.2 How and When IPL Players’ Trade Takes Place
- 1.3 Timing of Trading Windows
- 1.4 Eligibility for Player Trade
- 1.5 Types of Trades
- 1.6 List of Expected Trade Players for IPL 2026
- 1.7 Sanju Samson Will Stay with RR in IPL 2026 – Trade Rumors Shut Down
- 1.8 Venkatesh Iyer to RCB
- 1.9 Glenn Maxwell to LSG or CSK
- 1.10 Liam Livingstone to MI or LSG
- 1.11 Rishabh Pant to MI
- 1.12 Sam Curran to GT
- 1.13 Kamindu Mendis to GT
- 1.14 What’s the Deal with IPL 2026 Trades?
- 1.15 Conclusion: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
- 1.16 Authority Sources for IPL Trade Information
- 1.17 More IPL Guides:
IPL 2026 Trade Players List
Teams look at their performance from the previous season and decide what needs to change.
This year’s trade discussions are particularly exciting because many big stars are available for potential moves.
Latest Trade Rumors – IPL 2026 (As of Sept 2025)
The cricket world is full of whispers and speculation about who’s moving where. Here are the hottest trade rumors making headlines right now:
Confirmed Stays:
- Sanju Samson – Staying with Rajasthan Royals (RR) as captain
- No other confirmed trades yet
Hot Discussions:
- KL Rahul – Delhi Capitals showing strong interest
- Devdutt Padikkal – Likely moving to Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Arshdeep Singh – Mumbai Indians want him badly
- Shivam Dube – RCB trying to bring him back
| Player Name | Current Team | Interested Team(s) | Trade Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | Rajasthan Royals | CSK (Earlier) | Staying with RR |
| KL Rahul | Lucknow Super Giants | Delhi Capitals | Under Discussion |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Rajasthan Royals | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Likely to Move |
| Arshdeep Singh | Punjab Kings | Mumbai Indians | Under Discussion |
| Shivam Dube | Current Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore | RCB Interested |
The trade window creates a lot of excitement because anything can happen until the deadline.
How and When IPL Players’ Trade Takes Place
Understanding how player trades work in the IPL is important for fans who want to follow the action. The IPL has clear rules about when and how players can be traded between teams.
The process isn’t random or chaotic. There are specific periods called “trading windows” when teams can make deals. Think of it like a special shopping season for cricket teams where they can exchange players.
Key Points About IPL Trading:
- Only certain players are eligible for trades
- Teams must agree on the deal terms
- The IPL governing body must approve all trades
- Players have some say in their transfers
The trading system helps teams build better squads without going through the full auction process. It’s faster and gives teams more control over their roster changes.
Timing of Trading Windows
The IPL has two main trading periods each year. Knowing these dates helps fans understand when to expect trade announcements.
Pre-Auction Trade Window:
- Opens about one week after the IPL season ends
- Stays open until one week before the player auction
- This is when most big trades happen
- Teams use this time to plan their auction strategy
Post-Auction Trade Window:
- Opens after the player auction is completed
- Remains open until one month before the next season starts
- Usually sees fewer major trades
- Teams make final adjustments to their squads
| Trade Window | Start Time | End Time | Activity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Auction | 1 week after season | 1 week before auction | High |
| Post-Auction | After auction | 1 month before season | Moderate |
The pre-auction window is more exciting because teams have bigger budgets and more flexibility.
Eligibility for Player Trade
Not every player can be traded. The IPL has specific rules about who is eligible for trades.
Who Can Be Traded:
- Players retained by their franchise before the auction
- Players who were part of the team in the previous season
- Players whose contracts allow for trades
Who Cannot Be Traded:
- Players bought in the current auction (during post-auction window)
- Players with no-trade clauses in their contracts
- Players who refuse the trade
Important Rules:
- Teams must have the player’s contract rights
- The receiving team must have budget space
- Both teams must agree to the deal
- The player’s salary must fit in the new team’s budget
These rules ensure that trades are fair and players have some protection.
Types of Trades
There are different ways teams can trade players. Understanding these methods helps fans follow trade news better.
Cash Deals:
- One team pays money to get a player
- The selling team gets funds for the auction
- Most common type of trade
- Simple and straightforward
Player Swaps:
- Two teams exchange players directly
- No money changes hands
- Both teams get what they need
- Less common but often more exciting
Mixed Deals:
- Combination of cash and player exchange
- One team gets a player plus money
- The other team gets a different player
- Most complex type of trade
| Trade Type | How It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Deal | Team A pays Team B for a player | MI buying a player from PBKS |
| Player Swap | Direct exchange of players | RCB and CSK swapping players |
| Mixed Deal | Player + cash combination | GT gets player + money for their star |
Each type of trade serves different team strategies and needs.
List of Expected Trade Players for IPL 2026
The list of players who might change teams is long and exciting. These moves could completely change the balance of power in the IPL.
Some players are almost certain to move, while others are just possibilities. Teams are looking for specific skills and combinations to improve their chances of winning the championship.
Categories of Players Expected to Move:
- Underperforming stars seeking fresh starts
- Successful players wanted by multiple teams
- Young talents teams want to develop
- Experienced leaders needed for captaincy roles
The following sections will break down each major player and their potential moves.
Sanju Samson Will Stay with RR in IPL 2026 – Trade Rumors Shut Down
The biggest trade rumor of the season has been officially shut down. Sanju Samson will continue as Rajasthan Royals’ captain and key player.
Why the Rumors Started:
- CSK showed interest in signing Samson
- He posted a cryptic Instagram story with yellow theme
- RR had a poor season finishing 9th
- Riyan Parag took over captaincy duties due to injury
Why He’s Staying:
- RR management confirmed no trades planned
- He remains the undisputed captain
- Team management has full faith in him
- Recent meeting with team officials showed commitment
Samson’s 2025 Performance:
- Played 9 matches due to injury
- Scored 285 runs with one fifty
- Leadership affected by limited playing time
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Staying with RR |
| Captaincy | Confirmed to continue |
| Team Support | Full backing from management |
| Trade Interest | CSK (but rejected) |
This decision gives RR stability and allows them to build around a proven leader.
Venkatesh Iyer to RCB
RCB is eyeing the talented all-rounder who didn’t live up to his massive price tag at KKR. Venkatesh Iyer could be the Indian batting solution RCB has been looking for.
Why RCB Wants Him:
- Need for Indian batting strength
- His all-round capabilities
- Left-handed batting option
- Medium-pace bowling ability
Why KKR Might Trade Him:
- Bought for 24 crores (highest for all-rounder)
- Poor performance in 2025 season
- Need to balance their budget
- Looking for bowling assets in return
What Iyer Brings to RCB:
- Flexibility – Can open or bat middle order
- Stability – Experienced domestic player
- Balance – Batting and bowling options
- Value – Could perform better in new environment
This trade makes sense for both teams and could benefit everyone involved.
Glenn Maxwell to LSG or CSK
After disappointing seasons with multiple teams, Glenn Maxwell is looking for a fresh start. Both LSG and CSK are interested in the Australian all-rounder.
Maxwell’s Recent Struggles:
- Poor performance with RCB and PBKS
- Inconsistent batting in crucial matches
- Bowling form also declined
- High price tag vs performance gap
Why Teams Want Him:
- Match-winning ability when in form
- Overseas player quota filling
- Power-hitting in death overs
- Spin bowling option
Potential Destinations:
LSG Interest:
- Need overseas firepower
- Looking for middle-order stability
- Can afford his salary
- Fresh environment might help
CSK Interest:
- Experience in handling overseas players
- Need for aggressive middle-order batsman
- Good record with rehabilitation projects
| Team | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| LSG | Fresh start, good budget | Unproven combination |
| CSK | Dhoni’s leadership, experience | Age factor concerns |
Maxwell’s move could be the change he needs to rediscover his form.
Liam Livingstone to MI or LSG
The English all-rounder hasn’t lived up to expectations at RCB and is attracting interest from other franchises. Both MI and LSG see him as a valuable middle-order asset.
Livingstone’s RCB Experience:
- Bought for explosive middle-order stability
- Only scored one fifty in entire season
- Bowling performance below expectations
- Team disappointed with overall contribution
Why MI Wants Him:
- Need middle-order firepower
- Looking for overseas all-rounder
- Budget available for quality player
- Rohit Sharma’s leadership could help
Why LSG is Interested:
- Had mixed season and need improvements
- Want flexibility in middle order
- His game-changing ability appeals to them
- Can afford his asking price
Livingstone’s Strengths:
- Power-hitting capability in T20 format
- Part-time bowling adds team balance
- Experience in various T20 leagues
- Flexibility to bat in different positions
A change of environment could help Livingstone rediscover his explosive form.
Rishabh Pant to MI
The wicket-keeper batsman was the most expensive buy in IPL 2025 at 27 crores but failed to justify his price tag. MI is reportedly interested in making a blockbuster move for the Indian star.
Pant’s LSG Performance:
- Record-breaking purchase price of INR 27 crores
- Poor performance throughout the season
- Only bright spot was a century in the last match
- Questions raised about his form and consistency
Why MI is Interested:
- Long-term Indian leadership option
- X-factor finishing ability
- Wicket-keeping skills
- Brand value and star power
Challenges for the Trade:
- Extremely high salary demands
- LSG would want significant return
- Would require multi-player swap or huge cash deal
- MI would need to restructure their entire budget
What Trade Would Require:
- MI’s top Indian players in exchange
- Massive cash component to match value
- Multi-player swap deal
- Salary restructuring for both teams
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Price Tag | Biggest challenge – 27 crores |
| Performance | Needs improvement to justify cost |
| Leadership | Could be MI’s future captain |
| Market Value | High brand value despite poor form |
This would be the biggest trade in IPL history if it happens.
Sam Curran to GT
The English all-rounder could find a new home with Gujarat Titans after his stint with CSK. GT is looking for an explosive finisher and Curran fits the bill perfectly.
Why GT Wants Curran:
- Need for explosive batting in lower middle order
- David Miller’s departure to LSG left a gap
- His fearless batting style appeals to GT
- Left-arm seaming option adds bowling depth
Curran’s Value Addition:
- Dynamic batting in death overs
- Left-arm pace bowling variety
- Experience in pressure situations
- Adaptability to different batting positions
What GT Gets:
- Flexible finisher for lower order
- Bowling depth in pace department
- International experience in T20 format
- Game-changing ability in crucial moments
CSK’s Position:
- Might consider trading for right price
- Have other overseas options
- Could use funds for auction
- Age factor might influence decision
Curran’s all-round skills make him an attractive option for GT’s balanced approach.
Kamindu Mendis to GT
The Sri Lankan all-rounder with unique bowling abilities is on GT’s radar for IPL 2026. His ambidextrous spin bowling makes him a fascinating prospect.
Mendis’s Unique Skills:
- Ambidextrous spin bowling – can bowl left-arm orthodox and off-spin
- Adaptable batting style
- Genuine talent shown in limited opportunities
- Versatility adds tactical options
Why GT is Interested:
- Spin bowling complement to Sai Kishore
- Tactical flexibility with his unique skills
- Value for money option
- Future investment in young talent
SRH Experience:
- Played 5 matches and showed potential
- Limited opportunities to showcase full skills
- Team management impressed with his abilities
- Could develop further with more chances
What GT Would Get:
- Bowling variety with ambidextrous spin
- Middle-order batting option
- Tactical surprise element
- Cost-effective overseas player
| Skill | Benefit to GT |
|---|---|
| Left-arm Orthodox | Complements existing spinners |
| Off-spin | Adds variety in same over |
| Batting | Middle-order depth |
| Uniqueness | Tactical advantage |
Mendis represents an exciting investment in unique talent for GT.
What’s the Deal with IPL 2026 Trades?
The trade window is essentially a reshuffling period before the mini-auction in December. Teams use this time to fine-tune their squads and fix obvious problems.
How It Benefits Teams:
- Quick fixes without waiting for the auction
- Budget management through cash deals
- Player swaps for specific needs
- Strategic planning for the upcoming season
How It Benefits Players:
- Fresh starts with new franchises
- Better opportunities for playing time
- Improved contracts in some cases
- Team fit for their skills
Current Status:
- Sanju Samson confirmed to stay with RR
- Multiple discussions are ongoing for other players
- Some deals are close to completion
- Surprises expected before the deadline
What Fans Can Expect:
- Last-minute deals creating buzz
- Unexpected moves are shocking everyone
- Balance shifts between teams
- New combinations to watch
The trade window creates almost as much excitement as the main auction itself.
Conclusion: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
The IPL 2026 trade window has already provided plenty of drama and surprises. While some players like Sanju Samson are confirmed to stay, many others are still in the middle of intense negotiations.
Confirmed Situations:
- Sanju Samson – Staying with RR as captain
- Multiple players – Still under discussion
- Trade deadline – Approaching fast
- Fan excitement – At an all-time high
Key Takeaways:
- Trading adds strategic depth to team building
- Player movements can completely change team dynamics
- Some trades make perfect sense, while others surprise everyone
- The process continues until the official deadline
Looking Ahead: The real excitement will come when deals are finalized and fans see their favorite players in new jerseys. Some moves will strengthen teams significantly, while others might not work out as expected.
For Fans: Stay tuned for official announcements and don’t believe every rumor on social media. The IPL drama doesn’t end with trophy presentations – off-field action is equally thrilling.
The 2026 season promises to be exciting with all these potential changes. Whether your favorite player stays or moves, one thing is certain – the IPL continues to be the most entertaining cricket league in the world.
Authority Sources for IPL Trade Information
For the most reliable and updated information about IPL trades, fans should check these official sources:
Stay updated with official team social media accounts for the most current trade announcements and confirmations.
