IPL 2026 Trade Window Players List: Who Could Be Traded Before 2026 Auction

By: Cricbites | September 27, 2025

IPL is always remembered for many historical reasons but this year’s IPL will remain in the hearts of fans but why? Because in 2025 Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally won their first IPL trophy. This time it is very special as they have won their trophy after a long heartbreak. The celebrations after the win were grand, the fans were excited, and the cr

icket world was buzzing. But as always, like IPL, after lifting the trophy, the next question quickly emerged: what now?

The answer came sooner than expected as the IPL 2026 pre-auction trade window has now officially opened. So it is clear that the franchises are wasting no time in reshaping their teams once again. History shows us how impactful deals like Hardik Pandya’s dramatic return to Mumbai Indians or Cameron Green’s move to RCB can be. This time too, fans are waiting for the next round of surprises.

In this blog, we will cover the latest rumours, confirmed deals, expected deals and a complete breakdown of how the IPL trade window works.

Latest Trade Rumours: IPL 2026

Here are the latest gossips that are growing among IPL fans and players:

Sanju Samson – Staying in Rajasthan Royals (RR): There was a lot of interest from CSK about Sanju and social media also hinted at this rumour. And now RR has officially confirmed that their captain is not going anywhere. Samson remains the face of the franchise.
KL Rahul – In talks with Delhi Capitals (DC): Rahul’s name has often been linked with Delhi Capitals. But LSG is still expected to choose to retain him considering his leadership qualities and value as a marquee player.
Devdutt Padikkal – Likely to join Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): The young left-arm bowler could move from RR to SRH in a cash deal.
Arshdeep Singh – On Mumbai Indians (MI)’s radar: Punjab Kings may consider a trade if the offer is good enough.
Shivam Dubey – RCB comeback possible: RCB are exploring options to bring back the all-rounder who has blossomed in CSK.
Sai Sudarshan and Shahrukh Khan – GT and CSK in internal talks: GT and CSK are considering a player swap involving these two promising Indian talents.

How IPL Player Trading Works

For new fans of the league, here is a brief analysis of how the IPL trading system works.

Trading Windows

The BCCI provides specific timeframes when trades can take place:

Pre-auction trade window: Opens approximately a week after the IPL season ends and remains active until a week before the auction.
Post-auction trade window: Opens immediately after the auction and continues until a month before the next season.

Eligibility

Only players retained (before the auction) are eligible for trade.
Players bought from the auction cannot be traded in the same season.

Types of Trades

Cash deals: One franchise buys a player directly from another franchise.
Player swaps: Teams swap players directly. Sometimes, cash is added to balance the deal.

This system ensures balance, allows teams to improve weak spots, and keeps the IPL alive with drama even in the off-season.

List of Expected Big Deals: IPL 2026

Let’s dive deep into the most talked about prospects and rumoured deals.

1. Sanju Samson to Stay With RR: Rumours Shut Down

In early July 2025, rumours were rife that CSK could take Sanju Samson as he left an Instagram story with a yellow background and a Tamil song. The timing was interesting, especially since Samson was in the regular season, with RR finishing 9th with 285 runs in 9 matches. Injuries have forced Riyan Parag to lead the team at times, which has given further impetus to the rumours.

However, both the RR management and Samson have shut the doors on these rumours. Rajasthan Royals gave a clear statement:
“RR has decided not to trade Samson or any of its players at this time. Samson is very much a part of the Royals set-up and is the undisputed captain of the team.”

For RR fans, this is a sigh of relief. Samson will lead the Royals in 2026, and the franchise will continue to build around him.

2. Venkatesh Iyer to RCB?

Venkatesh Iyer was the most expensive Indian all-rounder in IPL 2025, bought by KKR for ₹24 crore. Unfortunately, his performance did not live up to expectations.

RCB are looking to strengthen their middle order after finally breaking their trophy drought, so Iyer could be an attractive target. He is a left-handed batsman and part-time medium-pacer who

perfectly fits RCB’s needs. If KKR get a quality bowler in return, they may consider trading him.

3. Glenn Maxwell LSG or CSK

Glenn Maxwell has had a tough time in the last three IPL seasons, struggling for form in both RCB and PBKS. Rumours suggest that Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings are looking at options to sign him as an overseas power-hitter.

CSK in particular is known to value experienced overseas match-winners, while LSG wants a proven finisher. A trade could free up money for RCB or PBKS to rebuild.

4. Liam Livingstone MI or LSG

Another big name who could move on is Liam Livingstone. Despite his reputation as a game-changer, his 2025 season at RCB was poor with one half-century and limited bowling impact.

Meanwhile, MI and LSG are keen to strengthen their middle order. With Romario Shepherd and Tim David already performing well at RCB, Livingstone could be seen as surplus. A trade here looks very real.

5. Rishabh Pant to MI? Is this true?

Rishabh Pant was bought by LSG for around ₹27 crore in IPL 2025, apart from a brilliant century, Pant’s season has been comparatively lacklustre.

Rumours suggest that MI is seriously eyeing him, not just for his batting but also as a long-term captaincy option. Pant’s fearless style fits MI’s brand of cricket perfectly. However, this trade would require a blockbuster deal, involving several top Indian players. If that happens, he could be the headline-grabber of IPL 2026.

6. Sam Curran in GT

Sam Curran had a good run with CSK in 2025, but Gujarat Titans are keen to add him to strengthen their middle-order and lower-order finishing. With David Miller moving to LSG, GT sees Curran as an ideal option who can provide balance with both bat and ball.

7. Kamindu Mendis to GT

One of the most exciting young names on the radar is Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis, who can bowl both conservatively and off-spin with his left arm. He performed brilliantly in 5 matches for SRH in 2025, and GT sees him as the perfect spin partner for Sai Kishor.

Why Is The Trade Window So Important

For a franchise, the trade window is as important as the auction. Here’s why:

It allows for course correction after a bad season.
It helps teams fill gaps in specific areas like death bowling, finishing or spin.
It can free up purse money for the mini-auction.
It keeps players motivated by giving them a fresh start.

The off-field drama of the IPL is part of what makes it the most popular T20 league in the world. The 2026 trade window is already shaping up to deliver fireworks.

Conclusion

With Sanju Samson confirmed to stay in RR, it has ceased to be a rumour. But big names like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone are in trade talks. Teams like MI, RCB, GT and CSK are particularly active, looking to strengthen their squads ahead of the December mini-auction.

As always in the IPL, last-minute deals can completely flip the script. From the above information, one thing is certain: the IPL drama off the field is as exciting as the action on the field.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the IPL 2026 trade window and how does it work?

The IPL trade window is the pre-auction phase where franchises can trade or release players before the official auction. Teams can go for a direct deal (player for player), cash deal or loan-style arrangement.

Q2. Can capped players and foreign stars be traded during the window?

Yes. Both capped Indian players and foreign stars are open to trade. However, any move must be agreed upon by the franchise as well as the player.

Q3. Which high-profile players are most likely to be traded before the 2026 auction?

Rumours suggest that some big names could move on such as KL Rahul leaving Lucknow, Devdutt Padikkal being linked to a new team. While nothing is confirmed, this speculation makes the trade window one of the most exciting aspects of the IPL build-up.