Over one month has passed since the end of the 18th edition of the (IPL) in 2025 and the focus is now shifted to international cricket and the Test format.
However, the franchises have already started preparing for the next edition of the IPL in 2026. There are several reports coming where some big players of their franchise are likely to get traded ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Usually, the franchises pick players during an IPL auction which takes place three to four months prior to the start of the tournament. However, before the auction takes place, the franchises also get a chance to trade some of their players either in cash deal or player to player trade. Now, as it has been more than one month after the end of IPL 2025, the trading window is now open for all the 10 franchises and will go on till one week left for the auction.
Throughout the years, there have been several players who were traded before the IPL auction and their trade went on to shock everyone. Now, there are also several reports coming regarding the trade of some star players, who have been a part of their respective franchises over the years and it will be interesting to see whether the reports are true or not. In the following listicle, we will have a look at some of the potential player transfers which can come as a huge shock for the fans ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Here are five potential player transfers ahead of IPL 2026 auction:
1. Sanju Samson
Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson has been a huge name in the Rajasthan Royals squad over the years. He joined RR in 2013 after the franchise acquired his services for INR 10 Lakh. Since then, Samson went on to become a crucial member of the RR lineup and has been a part of the franchise from the last 12 years (apart from 2016 and 2017). He was also appointed as captain of RR in 2021 and led the franchise to the final after 14 years in 2022.
However, the things looked different in IPL 2025 where Samson mostly played as a pure batter due to impact player rule with Riyan Parag taking charge as captain in few matches. After the end of IPL 2025, there are also several reports coming that RR might release or transfer Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. If Sanju Samson gets traded ahead of IPL 2026, it could turn out to be a big shock for the fans.
2. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock was seen playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 after the franchise picked for INR 3.60 Crore in the mega auction. The Protea batter couldn’t make much impact with his bat in the season apart from his 97-run knock against Rajasthan Royals. He ended up scoring 152 runs from eight matches in IPL 2025, averaging at 21.71.
Looking at his inconsistent form, it is likely that KKR might trade or release Quinton de Kock ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. However, it will be interesting to see which franchise De Kock will play for in the next season if KKR trades him.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad
The other name which could shock everyone if traded ahead of IPL 2026 auction is of Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. The five-time champions appointed Gaikwad as their captain ahead of the IPL 2024 with MS Dhoni continuing as a player. Making his debut in 2020, Gaikwad went on to become a crucial member of CSK and played a key part in their title triumphs in 2021 and 2023.
However, talking about IPL 2025, Gaikwad suffered an elbow injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after playing the first five matches. In his replacement, CSK called Ayush Mhatre while MS Dhoni was back in leadership role. Coming as a replacement for Gaikwad, Mhatre turned out to be a star performer for CSK where he amassed 240 runs from seven games, at a strike rate of 188.97. Now, there can also be a possibility that CSK might transfer Gaikwad ahead of the IPL 2026 auction which will be a big move if it turns out to be true.
4. Liam Livingstone
It turned out to be a memorable season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they ended up lifting their maiden title after 18 years in IPL 2025. The main reason for RCB’s triumph was the contribution from almost every player on the field. However, one player from RCB who couldn’t live up to the expectations was Liam Livingstone.
The England batter was picked by RCB for INR 8.75 Crore in the mega auction last year. However, Livingstone had a poor show with the bat this year where he amassed 112 runs from 10 matches at an underwhelming average of 16 and with just one fifty. Now, looking at his form in IPL 2025, the defending champions RCB are unlikely to retain him and might transfer him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
5. Glenn Maxwell
It was a homecoming for as he was bought back by Punjab Kings for INR 4.20 Crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, he couldn’t live up to the expectation and had a poor show with both bat and ball in IPL 2025. Although PBKS reached the final after 11 years, Maxwell had a very little or almost no contribution as he scored 48 runs and scalped four wickets from seven matches in the season.
It is unlikely that PBKS will retain him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. There’s also a possibility that PBKS might trade Maxwell to some other franchise ahead of the auction. Maxwell, who has played for multiple franchises like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, can be seen playing for a new franchise or even his old franchise in IPL 2026.