Cricket: Samson, Iyer among top 4 biggest IPL trade rumours for 2026 season
Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings
Arguably, the biggest talking point since the conclusion of the Indian Premier League has been rumours around Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson falling out with the franchise after they had one of their worst seasons in recent history.
Samson himself was one of the standout players for the Royals, scoring 285 runs in nine matches after missing the first handful of games due to injury. However, reports suggest that he has asked to be released this offseason.
Given his impressive batting performances in the middle order, combined with his role as a wicket-keeper, it is understood that the Chennai Super Kings are considering a trade move for him as the long-term replacement for CSK legend MS Dhoni.
Venkatesh Iyer to Sunrisers Hyderabad
Last season, the IPL mega auction produced two record-breaking bids, the first of which was for Venkatesh Iyer, who the Kolkata Knight Riders forked over around ₹23.75 crore to acquire in an attempt to defend their title.
Unfortunately, it was a mega money move that proved unsuccessful as Iyer managed just 142 runs in the tournament, averaging a mere 20.28. He cost KKR almost a fifth of their total purse, and it is now understood that the three-time champions are looking to part ways with him.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad are reportedly showing the most interest in securing his services for the 2026 season. SRH head coach Andy Flower also mentioned that Iyer would have suited his team's batting line-up to the T last season.
Rishabh Pant to Delhi Capitals
After Iyer’s staggering sale at the mega auction, the Lucknow Super Giants then broke the record to sign a player by splashing out ₹24.00 crore for Rishabh Pant. However, like Iyer, Pants’ eye-watering signing fee did not translate into the type of success the franchise expected.
The 27-year-old scored just 88 runs in 11 innings, and had he not managed two solid innings, his 2025 campaign would have gone down as one of the most calamitous we’ve seen in the 18 seasons that the competition has been in existence.
Still, having only managed 269 runs, Pants’ time with the LSG was widely considered a disappointment, and it seems to be growing increasingly likely that he will be moved on before the next campaign with the Delhi Capitals believed to be his next destination.
Glenn Maxwell to Gujarat Titans
The final player on the list of potential blockbuster trades for the 2026 season is Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, whose stint with the Punjab Kings seems to have come to an end after scoring just 48 runs in seven matches before an injury ended his 2025 season.
However, there are many who believe that Maxwell’s injury was questionable and suggested that it may have been used as an excuse to drop the Aussie from the squad due to poor performance without forcing him to face increased media attention.
The Gugarat Titans are believed to be front-runners in a potential trade deal, while the Chennai Super Kings have also been linked with a potential move for him. At 36, though, many are questioning whether the veteran is worth the gamble.
