IPL 2026 Trade: Delhi Capitals make last-minute call to retain KL Rahul, preventing his shift to KKR

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In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, Delhi Capitals (DC) have decided to retain star batter KL Rahul, putting an end to his proposed trade to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite intense discussions and strong interest from KKR, the Capitals firmly blocked all trade offers, signalling their intent to keep Rahul as a key pillar of their squad.

Rahul has been an invaluable asset for Delhi Capitals since joining them before IPL 2025, where he scored 539 runs at an average of 53.90 with a strike rate of 149.72, making him one of the highest run-scorers in the tournament. Recognizing his consistency and leadership qualities – Rahul also doubles as a wicketkeeper – DC head coach Hemang Badani and team management showed unwavering confidence in retaining him. Badani confirmed Rahul’s retention, saying Rahul is “in our house” and crucial to the team’s plans.

Former India batter Suresh Raina backed the Capitals’’decision, calling Rahul the “backbone” of the team and highlighting his dual role as batter and wicketkeeper. Raina emphasized that Rahul’s strong performances make him indispensable to DC. The support from cricket icons adds weight to the notion that retaining Rahul was a must for the franchise.

KKR were actively pursuing KL Rahul with the aim of bolstering their top-order and acquiring a seasoned leader for their rebuilding season. However, Delhi Capitals’ demands for a high-profile, valuable player in exchange could not be matched by KKR. Multiple trade combinations were proposed but did not meet DC’s expectations, causing the deal to collapse. Analysts point out that KKR’s reluctance to part with key players like Rinku Singh and Varun Chakravarthy further compounded the issue.

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Rahul’s retention gives Delhi Capitals stability at the top of the order and flexibility in team composition. Alongside captain Axar Patel and young talents like Tristan Stubbs, Rahul forms the core around which DC plans to build a competitive side. With INR 21.8 crore remaining in their purse and several slots open, DC has a strong platform to strategize for the upcoming auction.

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