Star India batter KL Rahul had a great season while playing for Delhi Capitals in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League in 2025. The right-hander finished as a leading run scorer for DC in IPL
2025 amassing 539 runs from 13 matches at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72. However, a few months after the end of IPL 2025, there were several rumours going on that DC are likely to release KL Rahul ahead of IPL 2026 auction.
Although there hasn’t been any official confirmation regarding this rumour, it can turn out to be a very interesting scenario if DC part ways with KL Rahul ahead of IPL 2026 auction. There might be many IPL teams which can show interest to trade KL Rahul or buy him in the auction. In the following listicle,
Let's have a look at the three IPL franchises that might buy KL Rahul if DC releases him
Chennai Super Kings
The five-time champions Chennai Super Kings can show their interest in KL Rahul via bid if DC release him ahead of IPL 2026 auction. CSK also made their bid for Rahul in the IPL 2025 mega auction last year and made the second last bid before DC made a final bid to get him in their lineup. CSK also need a stable batter in the middle-order for the next IPL season and KL Rahul can turn out to be a great choice looking at his records and experience. He can also play a leadership role along with MS Dhoni and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Along with the rumours of Delhi Capitals releasing KL Rahul, there were also rumours coming that Kolkata Knight Riders have shown interest to get him in their squad for IPL 2026. KKR made the first bid for Rahul in the IPL 2025 mega auction and were ready to spend almost INR 12 Crore as they stopped their bid on INR 11.75 Crore. Now, after a disappointing season in IPL 2025, the three-time champions will be keen to get Rahul in their squad and can also consider him as a captaincy option for IPL 2026.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad can also show their interest to buy KL Rahul in the auction if Delhi Capitals release him. Rahul has played for SRH in the initial years of his IPL career in 2014 and 2015. Now, after more than a decade, the star India batter can be seen making his return in the Orange Army for IPL 2026. SRH already has star players like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan in their top batting order. Now, after inclusion of KL Rahul in the middle-order, SRH can go on to become a formidable batting unit for IPL 2026.
