The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was one of the most eventful seasons of the competition in recent years, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the title against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final.
On the other hand, heavyweights like the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) struggled to get into the top half of the points table, showing the need for a transition.
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Like every year, the teams have once again moved on from the recently finished season quickly and have started making moves for the next season.
As teams look to acquire the services of players from other franchises to fix their issues for IPL 2026, TSN brings you the latest updates about the rumours and news regarding the player trades and deals.
MORE: Will CSK swap Ruturaj Gaikwad? 3 bold trade scenarios to land RR's Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026
IPL 2026: Latest rumours and news on player trades
R Ashwin requests to be released from CSK before IPL 2026
Legendary Indian spinner R Ashwin has reportedly asked to be released from the Chennai Super Kings, according to KG Sports. If true, it could come as a huge surprise after he returned to the franchise after nearly a decade.
In 2025, he scored 33 runs with the bat while also taking seven wickets at a 40.43 bowling average and 9.13 economy.
Sanju Samson seeks exit from RR ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Sanju Samson has informed the Rajasthan Royals that he wants to be released before the IPL 2026 auction, according to ESPNcricinfo. The franchise hasn’t responded definitively, and the final call will be made by the RR owner in consultation with Rahul Dravid.
As per the IPL contract, the franchise holds the final authority in such situations, meaning Samson’s future still hangs in the balance despite his request.
Samson to remain the 'undisputed captain' at RR
After rumors linking the RR captain and opener, Sanju Samson away via trade, close RR sources have quashed the reports, regarding the 30-year-old as the undisputed captain of the side.
"RR have decided not to trade Samson or any of their players for now. Samson is very much a part of the Royals set-up and the undisputed captain of the team," a source told TOI.
MORE: Sanju Samson is RR's undisputed captain for IPL 2026 - Report
It was previously reported that KKR had contacted RR for a cash deal for either Samson or Jaiswal to fix their opening and captaincy issues.
KKR targets KL Rahul for veteran batter presence in lineup
Gaurav Gupta of the Times of India reported, "Hearing that Kolkata Knight Riders are really keen on acquiring KL Rahul via trade."
Rahul will give the Knight Riders experience and versatility as an opening batter and in the middle order. He is also a potential captaincy option if they need another leadership choice apart from Ajinkya Rahane.
KKR eye Yashasvi Jaiswal or Sanju Samson to fix the opening woes
According to recent rumours, KKR has approached the Rajasthan Royals (RR) with an all-cash offer for either Sanju Samson or Yashasvi Jaiswal to address their top-order problems.
Notably, the Knight Riders struggled with their opening pairs in the 2025 season after trying out 3 different pairs at the top of the order.
They could only manage an average of 22.33 in 13 innings with a highest stand of 48 runs.
Additionally, they might also be looking at Samson or Jaiswal to lead their team from a long-term point of view, with Ajinkya Rahane approaching 38.
On the other hand, with the emergence of Vaibhav Suryavanshi as an opener, RR could also look at this deal as an opportunity to fix their bowling and lower-middle order woes after a lacklustre 2025 season.