The ongoing trade deal involving KL Rahul between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has currently stalled ahead of the IPL mini-auction. It is reported that discussions between the two franchises are ongoing, but no conclusion has been reached yet.
Sports News: Ahead of the IPL 2025 mini-auction, the trade market among teams has become bustling. Amidst this, the biggest news has emerged regarding the KL Rahul trade deal between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). According to sources, KKR wants to include Rahul in their squad and make him their new captain (KKR New Captain), but Delhi Capitals currently seems unwilling to agree to this deal.
Discussions between both teams have been ongoing for several weeks, but talks regarding Rahul have now hit a snag. Kolkata wants to add Rahul to their squad as a wicketkeeper-batsman in the top order, but Delhi Capitals is not in the mood to let go of their star player so easily.
DC's Clear Stance: A Player of Equal Caliber Required in Exchange for Rahul
Delhi Capitals management has made it clear that if KKR wants KL Rahul, they must provide a top-grade player of equal caliber in return. The franchise believes that Rahul is not just a reliable batsman but also an experienced leader for the team, making him difficult to replace. KKR is currently in search of a new captain.
Last season, 37-year-old Ajinkya Rahane was the captain, and now the team is looking for a player who can provide long-term leadership. Rahul is considered the best option for this role, but acquiring him from Delhi currently seems difficult.
Delhi's Three Proposals, KKR's Rejection
According to reports, Delhi Capitals offered KKR three different proposals for this trade, but Kolkata rejected all three.
- First proposal – A direct swap with Sunil Narine.
- Second – A combination of Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh.
- Third – The pair of Harshit Rana and Raghuvanshi.
KKR management rejected all these proposals, stating that Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana are the team's "homegrown talents" and the franchise intends to retain them for the long term. Kolkata's new Head Coach Abhishek Nayar also agrees with this decision. Nayar personally trains Angkrish Raghuvanshi and considers him a part of the team's future.
DC Working on Another Major Deal
Delhi Capitals has a special interest in Raghuvanshi as he is an athlete associated with JSW Sports. JSW is DC's parent company, which is why the franchise has been trying to bring him into their team for a long time. However, KKR is currently not in favor of trading him. Delhi Capitals is not solely dependent on the KL Rahul trade. According to team sources, DC is finalizing another major trade deal. This potential deal could involve Sanju Samson, Tristan Stubbs, and an uncapped Indian player.
If this deal goes through, DC will have two big names like KL Rahul and Sanju Samson simultaneously. However, this situation could also pose a strategic challenge for the team — both are wicketkeeper-batsmen and prefer to bat in the top order. The franchise's think-tank will have to decide who will open with Abhishek Porel, and whether Samson will be ready to bat at number three, or if Rahul will be sent to the middle order. Last season, Rahul did not look comfortable in the middle order, so this decision will not be easy.
