Prior to the IPL 2026 mini-auction, KL Rahul’s future with the Delhi Capitals was the subject of a cheeky remark on a podcast, which put him at the centre of IPL trade rumours once more.
The Delhi Capitals batter, who received 14 crore to join the squad before the 2025 IPL, was questioned about his propensity to swap teams during his IPL career.
Rahul smiled and said, “I am also not too far,” in response to the hosts drawing comparisons between his path and that of former Australia white-ball captain Aaron Finch, who was renowned for having played for nine different IPL teams.
Despite having a great first season with Delhi, the comment has now fueled rumours that Rahul would be open to yet another move before the following season.
Rahul silenced detractors who had questioned his strike rate in previous years by amassing 539 runs in 13 matches, including a century and three fifties, making him one of Delhi’s best players in the 2025 Indian Premier League. Although the 32-year-old’s play was crucial in the Capitals’ finishing in the top four, his remarks have fans wondering if another high-profile deal may be imminent.
Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are reportedly one among the teams considering a potential trade for the Indian opener. After selecting Ajinkya Rahane as captain, KKR had a dismal 2025 season and are reportedly looking for an experienced manager. The rumors have been made more intriguing by Rahul’s past interactions with Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach for KKR, who has previously worked closely with him.
But a possible exchange might be difficult. The Delhi Capitals are not going to let go of their captain easy, and it is said that KKR does not have a player worth as much to trade. The Times of India was informed by a source that “the deal is unlikely to work out as KKR don’t have anybody they can trade to the Delhi Capitals in return.”
However, Rahul’s remark and his reputation as one of the IPL’s most reliable players-having scored 500 runs in seven of the previous eight seasons-have made sure that the rumours about his future will not go away.
The Delhi Capitals player is still concentrating on his national duty in England for the time being, but his lighthearted comment has once again served as a reminder to the cricket community that even a joke can cause a stir in the IPL.