As franchises start planning their tactics for the next season, the IPL 2026’s trade window has opened and presents teams with an enticing chance to reorganize their lineups. Five player moves appear as possible game-changers amid the smoke and murmurs.
Since 2013 (save for a few short periods in 2016–17), Sanju Samson has been a regular for the Rajasthan Royals, leading them since 2021. But the media is linking Sanju Samson to joining CSK in IPL 2026, where fitness issues and changing team positions created speculation.
Quinton de Kock’s IPL 2025 move to KKR showed promise, but his eight-game average of just 21.7 runs per game has fueled speculation that his time with the side might be drawing to an end. For a company trying to enhance its worldwide hitting options, a transaction would be a good buy if someone made an offer.
Former Chennai Super Kings’ talismanic captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was ruled out of the IPL 2025 season as a result of an injury problem, keeping him out for half the season. Meanwhile, Ayush Mhatre gave impressive performances.
Only 112 runs in ten games were scored by Liam Livingstone, a major RCB acquisition in 2024 with an ₹8.75 crore contract. Though he strikes hard and occasionally spins the ball, rumors abound that RCB might trade him in IPL 2026 as a result of this drop in form.
Maxwell’s return to the Punjab Kings in 2025 for ₹4.2 crore was meant to bring some life to their lineup, but in seven games, he only scored 48 runs and claimed four wickets. Rumor says that PBKS might not keep him in IPL 2026 because the returns are declining. Chennai Super Kings are said to have shown interest in an experienced all-rounder.
