Which player KKR can drop to acquire KL Rahul for IPL 2026?

After a disappointing IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders can decorate their squad with some new faces. According to recent speculations on social media platforms, the champion of IPL 2024 can go all out for KL Rahul. The Purple Brigade needs someone reliable for the wicketkeeping role and who has a huge fan following. Rahul fits for the role. Along with keeping and batting, he can add value in the leadership role too. Though, he chose to stay out of the role with Delhi Capitals after an underwhelming stint with Lucknow Super Giants as the captain. 

Rumors are circulating around the corners of social media platforms that the multiple IPL trophy-winning franchise is ready to pull out their purse to trade the star Indian cricketer from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata. The probable deal can consume multiple crores from the fund. Now, another question arises along with these possibilities: who can be dropped from the Knight camp to create a vacant place for KL Rahul? In the last season, the team just did not click. 

Three players with can go under scanner:

There are multiple cricketers who can be excluded from the squad. But for a hefty deal, KKR may consider someone whose market value is on the higher side. Like Venkatesh Iyer. Kolkata Knight Riders retained the all-rounder for Rs 23.75 crore; Venkatesh Iyer had an IPL season to forget in 2025, scoring only 142 runs in 11 matches at 20.29. With this price, the team can make a big move if they wish to. 

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Quinton de Kock has a reputation as a solid T20I batsman. But the keeper-batter is clearly way past his prime. In place of the South African, KL Rahul can be a perfect fit, a like-for-like substitution. Quinton de Kock finished his IPL 2025 run with 152 runs in 8 innings, averaging just 21.71, including an unbeaten 97-run knock. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was also not able to meet the hype. The Afghanistan international in the previous IPL season scored only 18.5 in an aggregate of five games, with an average strike rate of 139.62.