'KKR would have tried to rope in either KL Rahul or Sanju Samson through trade but failed' - Former India opener

Published - 11 Nov 2025, 15:07 IST | Updated - 11 Nov 2025, 15:07 IST

Former India opener Aakash Chopra feels that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would have tried to bring in KL Rahul from Delhi Capitals (DC) or Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Venkatesh Iyer. However, it seems that the three-time champions failed to secure either of their services.

KKR roped in Iyer for a whopping INR 23.75 crore at the mega auction last year. However, the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder failed to live up to the expectations, scoring just 142 runs in 11 matches at an average of 20.29.

"I think they tried to do a trade as well. I think they went to Delhi, that they should give them KL Rahul and take Venkatesh Iyer from them. They said, 'Thank you.' I think they would have spoken to Sanju Samson, that RR can give them Sanju Samson and take Venkatesh Iyer from them. They would have also said, 'Leave it," he said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Chopra feels that KKR need a senior Indian wicketkeeper-batter who can also captain the side. Either KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, or Rishabh Pant would have fitted the bill. However, it seems that none of them will be available at the auction.

"They ideally need a senior Indian wicketkeeper-batter who can captain. That is the best. For that, KL Rahul or else Sanju Samson or else Rishabh Pant, but all three of them might not come in the auction. Sanju Samson might already be seen in Chennai's jersey. Delhi might not release KL Rahul. LSG will not release Rishabh Pant. So it doesn't work out for them there either," he observed.

Chopra suggested that KKR could try to re-sign Iyer during next month's mini auction for a lower price after releasing him ahead of the November 15 retention deadline.

"They can release Venkatesh Iyer and buy him back. They would get him for ₹8-12 crore. They will still save ₹12-13 crore. I think Venkatesh Iyer will still get ₹8-10 crores in the mini auction, but he won't get ₹23.75 crore. Don't think about continuity this time, but slightly about prudence," he said.

KKR should release Russell, Iyer: World Cup-winning captain

The former KKR batter said that KKR should look to sign backups for Harshit Rana and Vaibhab Arora. Also, they would need to rope in overseas pacers if they are to let go of Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson.

"Backup for Indian pacers because Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, and then who? It will be great if they can get a backup there. Overseas pacers, if they release both Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson, then they will need overseas fast bowlers. They will have money for that. I don't think they will have a money issue," Chopra observed.