This week IPL trade rumors have been buzzing around, and Washington Sundar (associated with Chennai Super Kings) and KL Rahul (associated with Kolkata Knight Riders) were the two prominent names among the whispers. However, the recent verifications done by reputable cricket sources indicate that those trades are very unlikely to happen now. According to Cricbuzz, there’s “no traction” for either transaction: Sundar’s return to Chennai has been “decisively ruled out,” while Rahul’s transfer to KKR seems improbable at least for the present time.
Let’s quickly rewind: the Sundar saga began when there was speculation that CSK was looking to bring the Tamil Nadu all-rounder “home” from Gujarat Titans. Although it was a logical thought, Sundar is a CSK favorite, plus his left-arm spin along with his batting depth are perfectly suited to the team’s template.
But the Gujarat camp reacted quickly and managed to prevent the transfer. As per reports, GT head coach Ashish Nehra did not permit the trade, which resulted in the effective curtailment of discussions. InsideSport and other sources back up the claim that GT was not open to letting Sundar go, thereby negating the CSK attempt for the time being.
In the case of KL Rahul, it all started with KKR pushing DC for a potential swap. Rahul was envisioned in the popular dream at Eden Gardens, many were even thrilled by the prospect of him opening for KKR. However, the reports telling DC the opposite have now come, and KKR’s interest has not yet led to a concrete offer. The storyline of Rahul moving to KKR is characterized by Cricbuzz and others as “very improbable,” though not entirely dead, it’s a multi-layered situation where salary, roles and franchise priorities overlap.
What made both gossip get blown over so fast? The media gives two main reasons. Firstly, the priorities of the franchises. Gujarat’s view of Sundar’s worth was obvious when they did not want to lose a player of his caliber, and Delhi seems to prefer a senior Indian batter like Rahul.
Next, the economic aspect of the trade and the related strategies trades are not merely exchanges of players; they have an impact on both the budget and the team, and even on the franchise’s long-term plans. The dispensing franchise would not sell a player who it considers vital to its future plans unless the package is exactly right in that it would consist of both a high price and a significant return.
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What this means on the field: Washington Sundar is going to be the spin-plus-bat option for Gujarat Titans and all around at the same time he is supposed to be with them; the change of GT’s balance by losing him is the reason for the refusal that makes sense from their viewpoint.
KL Rahul, on the other hand, seems to be staying with the Delhi Capitals for now which gives the DC’s top-order options the security of being settled at the auction and pre-season prep stage. Both franchises will rather direct their energy towards the auction and other trade possibilities.
The reaction of fans has been very loud and divided. CSK fans, who were hoping for Sundar’s return, felt let down; KKR supporters, who dreamed of Rahul at the top, found their hopes less bright. The debate among the experts has been intense, some saying that the stability is precious while others that the fresh big moves might even change the IPL picture.
To sum up, the exciting trade rumors around Washington Sundar and KL Rahul have considerably lessened. The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings have not been able to get Sundar through the Gujarat Titans in spite of the latter’s coach Ashish Nehra supposedly being against the move, while the KKR side is also not taking Rahul’s transfer as very likely at this point. If you are attentive to IPL player transfers, then consider the next 48-72 hours as decisive sometimes the deals get back on, but at the moment both incidents are losing steam.
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is likely to be held between December 13 and 15. The player retention deadline is November 15.
Written By:- Manjunath S