by IPL 2025 was nothing short of historic.
Royal Challengers Bangalore finally broke their title drought and lifted their maiden IPL trophy, sending their fans into absolute delirium.
But in the IPL universe, the action never stops. The moment one season ends, the next one starts brewing.
The IPL 2026 pre-auction trade window is officially open, and franchises are already busy plotting their next moves.
Big names are being thrown around in trade discussions, and fans can’t stop refreshing their social media feeds for updates.
Sanju Samson to CSK? KL Rahul to Delhi Capitals? Glenn Maxwell finding a new home? The rumor mill is working overtime.
Some deals have already been shut down, while others are still hanging in the balance.
As always, expect a few surprises before the trade deadline hits.
IPL 2026 Trade Players List
Here’s a detailed look at all the confirmed trades, ongoing talks, and possible surprises waiting for IPL 2026, confirmed by Sports Live Pro Experts.
Understanding IPL Player Trades
Before we dive into the juicy details, let’s understand how IPL trades actually work.
The IPL has a structured trade system that allows teams to reshuffle their squads without waiting for the auction. It’s like a transfer window in football, but with IPL’s own unique rules.
When do trades happen?
There are two official trade windows:
- Pre-Auction Window: Opens about a week after the IPL season ends and stays open until a week before the player auction.
- Post-Auction Window: Opens after the auction and remains open until a month before the next season begins.
Who can be traded?
Only players who are retained by their franchise before the auction are eligible for trading. If a player is bought fresh in the auction, they cannot be traded during the post-auction window.
Types of trades
| Trade Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cash Deal | One team pays another franchise for the player’s transfer |
| Player Swap | Two teams directly exchange players |
| Swap + Cash | A combination of player exchange plus a cash transaction |
It’s a smart system that gives teams flexibility while keeping things fair and transparent.
Confirmed and Rumored IPL 2026 Trades (As of September 2025)
Here’s a quick snapshot of the latest IPL 2026 trade updates. Some are confirmed, others are still under discussion.
| Player | From | To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | RR | — | Staying with RR |
| KL Rahul | LSG | DC | Talks ongoing |
| Devdutt Padikkal | RR | SRH | Likely (cash deal) |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | MI | On MI’s radar |
| Shivam Dube | CSK | RCB | Possible return |
| Sai Sudharsan | GT | CSK | Internal talks |
| Shahrukh Khan | GT | CSK | Internal talks |
| Venkatesh Iyer | KKR | RCB | Rumored |
| Glenn Maxwell | PBKS | LSG/CSK | Rumored |
| Liam Livingstone | RCB | MI/LSG | Likely move |
| Rishabh Pant | LSG | MI | Blockbuster rumor |
| Sam Curran | CSK | GT | Possible |
| Kamindu Mendis | SRH | GT | Rising talent |
Let’s break down the biggest stories one by one.
Key Player Trade Stories for IPL 2026
Sanju Samson Will Stay with RR – Rumors Shut Down
The biggest news? Sanju Samson is NOT moving anywhere.
Earlier in July, rumors went wild when Samson posted a cryptic Instagram story with a yellow line and the caption “Time to Move…!!” along with a Tamil song. Naturally, fans thought he was hinting at a move to CSK.
The speculation got stronger after RR finished 9th in IPL 2025, with Samson playing just 9 matches and scoring 285 runs. Riyan Parag even took over captaincy duties during parts of the season due to Samson’s injury.
But Rajasthan Royals have officially confirmed: Samson stays.
According to sources, RR has no plans to trade Samson or any other player. He remains their undisputed captain and a key figure in the team’s plans.
On July 16, Samson even met with RR’s Head of International Player Development, Siddhartha Lahiri, who posted a photo captioned, “Lunch with the skipper is always great fun.”
Case closed. Samson stays in pink.
Venkatesh Iyer to RCB (Possible Trade)
Venkatesh Iyer was bought by KKR for a whopping ₹24 crores in IPL 2025—the highest-ever bid for an all-rounder in IPL history.
But his season was disappointing. He couldn’t justify the price tag, and now RCB is reportedly interested in bringing him to Bangalore.
Why does RCB want him? They’re looking to strengthen their Indian batting core with a reliable all-round option.
Iyer’s left-handed batting and medium-pace bowling make him a perfect fit. He can provide stability in the middle order or even open the innings if needed.
KKR might consider a trade if RCB offers a strong bowling asset in return. Watch this space.
Glenn Maxwell to LSG or CSK (Rumored)
Glenn Maxwell has had three awful IPL seasons with RCB and PBKS. His form has been inconsistent, and his teams haven’t benefited much from his presence.
Now, LSG and CSK are reportedly interested in the Australian all-rounder.
Both teams are looking for an overseas match-winner with power-hitting skills and a handy bowling option. Maxwell fits the bill perfectly.
PBKS might trade him to free up their purse and revamp their squad, provided LSG or CSK offers a promising Indian talent or a good cash deal.
At 37, Maxwell still has the firepower to change games. A fresh start might be exactly what he needs.
Liam Livingstone to MI or LSG (Likely Move)
Liam Livingstone joined RCB with high hopes, but he couldn’t deliver consistently. He managed just one fifty in the entire IPL 2025 season and didn’t impress with the ball either.
Meanwhile, Romario Shepherd and Tim David performed well for RCB, reducing Livingstone’s value in the team.
Now, MI and LSG are eyeing him.
Both teams had mixed seasons and are eager to add firepower and flexibility in their middle order. Livingstone’s ability to change games single-handedly makes him a valuable asset.
If the deal goes through, it could be a win-win for everyone involved.
Rishabh Pant to MI (Blockbuster Trade Rumor)
This is the big one. The trade that could shake the entire IPL.
Rishabh Pant was the sensation of IPL 2025 after LSG bought him for a record-breaking ₹27 crores. But he didn’t perform throughout the season, except for a century in the last match.
Now, MI is reportedly interested in bringing Pant to Mumbai.
Why? MI is seeking a long-term Indian leader and an X-factor finisher. Pant’s fearless batting and leadership qualities have impressed them.
But here’s the catch: a trade of this magnitude would require a blockbuster offer. MI would likely have to offer top Indian players or a multi-player swap to match Pant’s stardom and value.
If this trade happens, it’ll be the biggest IPL trade in history.
Sam Curran to GT (Possible Addition)
Gujarat Titans are looking to strengthen their squad after David Miller’s move to LSG in 2025.
GT needs another explosive dynamic player, and Sam Curran fits the role perfectly.
In IPL 2025, Curran contributed with both bat and ball for CSK. GT wants him for the same dual impact.
Curran’s fearless batting style offers the Titans a flexible finisher, strengthening their lower middle order significantly.
Plus, his left-arm pace adds variety to GT’s bowling attack.
Kamindu Mendis to GT (Rising Talent on Radar)
Kamindu Mendis, the Sri Lankan all-rounder, is also on GT’s radar for IPL 2026.
Mendis gained fame for his ambidextrous spin—he can bowl both left-arm orthodox and off-spin. That’s a rare skill.
He played 5 matches for SRH in IPL 2025, where he proved his genuine talent.
If he joins GT, their spin bowling department will be complemented beautifully alongside Sai Kishore.
GT is building a squad for the future, and Mendis could be a key piece.
What Makes IPL Trades So Exciting?
IPL trades are pure drama. Even before the auction, they keep fans glued to their screens.
Why? Because trades bring unexpected twists. A player you’ve loved watching in one jersey suddenly appears in another. It’s shocking, exciting, and sometimes heartbreaking.
Remember Hardik Pandya’s return to the Mumbai Indians? Or Cameron Green’s move to RCB? These trades changed team dynamics completely.
Trades also give teams a chance to fix mistakes. If a big buy didn’t work out, they can trade that player and bring in someone who fits better.
In short, trades are like IPL’s transfer window—full of surprises, speculation, and last-minute shockers.
Timeline – IPL 2026 Trade Window Explained Simply
Here’s how the IPL 2026 trade window will work:
- Pre-Auction Window Opened: A week after IPL 2025 ended (around May 2025)
- Trade Discussions Ongoing: Teams are currently negotiating deals (September 2025)
- Pre-Auction Window Closes: A week before the IPL 2026 auction
- IPL 2026 Auction Expected: Around December 2025
- Post-Auction Window Opens: Right after the auction
- Final Trade Deadline: About a month before IPL 2026 begins (expected around February 2026)
So there’s still plenty of time for deals to happen, fall apart, and surprise everyone.
Expected Upcoming Moves – What to Watch For?
While some deals are close to being finalized, others are still in the rumor stage. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- KL Rahul’s Situation
KL Rahul’s move to the Delhi Capitals is still under discussion. LSG might retain him because of his leadership and value, but DC is pushing hard to get him.
This one could go either way.
- Arshdeep Singh to MI
Mumbai Indians are interested in the young left-arm pacer. Punjab Kings may consider the move, but only if MI offers a strong deal.
Arshdeep’s death bowling skills make him a valuable asset, so PBKS won’t let him go easily.
- Sai Sudharsan & Shahrukh Khan Internal Talks
Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings are in internal discussions about a possible player swap involving Sai Sudharsan and Shahrukh Khan.
Both are talented Indian batters, and the swap could benefit both teams.
- Shivam Dube’s Potential RCB Return
RCB is eyeing Shivam Dube’s return to strengthen their squad. Dube has IPL-winning experience with CSK, but RCB wants him back.
Will CSK let him go? That’s the question.
FAQs:
- Who are the confirmed trade players for IPL 2026?
As of September 2025, Sanju Samson is confirmed to stay with RR. Strong rumors include KL Rahul to DC, Devdutt Padikkal to SRH, and Arshdeep Singh to MI. Rishabh Pant to MI is a blockbuster rumor still under discussion.
- When will the IPL 2026 auction take place?
The IPL 2026 auction is expected to take place around December 2025. The exact date will be announced by the BCCI closer to the event.
- Can teams still trade after the auction?
Yes, teams can trade players during the post-auction trade window, which opens right after the auction and remains open until about a month before IPL 2026 begins.
- Which player has the highest trade value for IPL 2026?
Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are among the players with the highest trade value. Pant was bought for ₹27 crores, making any trade involving him a massive deal.
- Why do IPL teams trade players instead of buying them in the auction?
Trading allows teams to strengthen specific areas without spending huge auction money. It also helps them retain team balance and fix mistakes from previous auctions.
Final Thoughts – Who’s In, Who’s Out?
The IPL 2026 trade window is wide open, and the drama is just getting started.
Sanju Samson is confirmed to stay with RR. But names like KL Rahul, Glenn Maxwell, Rishabh Pant, and Arshdeep Singh are still up in the air.
Some deals will go through. Others will collapse at the last minute. And knowing the IPL, there will be a few surprise trades that nobody saw coming.
One thing is clear: the IPL doesn’t just deliver entertainment on the field. The off-season action is just as thrilling.
So stay tuned, keep refreshing your feeds, and get ready for some blockbuster announcements.
In the IPL, even the off-season delivers full-on drama—and IPL 2026 is shaping up to be no different!
