IPL Trade Players List 2026: Full List of Players Traded, Retained, and Released

Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally ended their long drought and lifted their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, but now the spotlight has already shifted to the upcoming season. The pre-auction trade window for IPL 2026 is now open, with franchises reworking their squads ahead of the November 15 retention deadline.

At the center of discussions is the high-profile case of Sanju Samson, who has reportedly asked the Rajasthan Royals management for a release. Chennai Super Kings are on a pursuit for a wicketkeeper-batter, and talks are said to be underway for a possible swap involving Ravindra Jadeja. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan’s situation is being monitored, and players like KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal have also emerged as part of several inter-franchise negotiations.

The Indian Premier League follows a structured system for player trades, in terms of specific timelines known as trading windows. These windows allow teams to exchange players outside the auction process, giving them flexibility to balance their squads. The IPL 2026 Trade Players list has seen various surprises so far and it will continue to do so as the retention date comes nearby.

The first phase, called the pre-auction trade window, generally opens about a week after the conclusion of the IPL season and remains active until roughly a week before the auction takes place. The second, known as the post-auction trade window, begins after the auction ends and stays open until about a month before the next season starts.

IPL Trade Players List 2026 (Expected):

The IPL 2026 trade window is expected to feature several high-profile moves across franchises. The biggest story so far revolves around Sanju Samson, who is reportedly in talks to join the Chennai Super Kings. In return, Rajasthan Royals could receive Ravindra Jadeja, and possibly even Sam Curran, as part of a blockbuster swap deal.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul’s future is also doubtful with the Lucknow Super Giants, as the Kolkata Knight Riders are said to be exploring the possibility of bringing him on board. Ishan Kishan’s name has also surfaced, with indications that he might make a return to the Mumbai Indians from Sunrisers Hyderabad.

1. Ravindra Jadeja to RR

Ravindra Jadeja's move to the Rajasthan Royals is one of the most talked-about news items in the IPL Trade Players list 2026. Chennai Super Kings swap deal, which led to Jadeja heading to RR, while Sanju Samson makes his way to CSK.

The trade is finalised now and made official by both franchises, marking the end of Jadeja’s long and successful stint with CSK, where he became a key all-rounder and fan favourite.

2. Sanju Samson to CSK

Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings is now official. Samson is just not a useful batter, but is also among the best wicketkeepers in IPL history. The move would see Samson take on a central role in CSK’s post-Dhoni era, with his wicketkeeping, batting and leadership skills making him an ideal long-term replacement. This is one of the huge transfer deals in the IPL Trade Players list 2026.

3. Venkatesh Iyer to RCB

All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has become one of the key names linked with a potential move to Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026. He is currently with the Kolkata Knight Riders and was one of the biggest buys in the IPL 2025 auction, but his performances have not fully matched expectations, making a trade a possibility. Reports suggest that RCB are interested in bringing him in to strengthen their Indian core, adding a left-handed all-rounder capable of contributing with both bat and ball.

4. KL Rahul to KKR

According to the IPL trade news, KL Rahul has been in the speculation ahead of IPL 2026, with Kolkata Knight Riders reportedly keen on bringing him in from the Delhi Capitals.

After a strong 2025 season, where he scored 539 runs, including a century and maintained a strike rate close to 150. KKR see him as a potential leader who can also contribute as a wicketkeeper-batter. However, the Delhi Capitals might not let go of their star player, and suitable trade options to match his value remain a challenge.

5. Glenn Maxwell to CSK

After a disappointing 2025 season with Punjab Kings, where he scored just 48 runs in seven matches and missed the latter part of the season due to a fractured finger, PBKS is reportedly open to trading Glenn Maxwell to free up space in their purse.

Several teams, including Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, are said to be in talks with the franchise, as Maxwell is among the most dangerous batsmen in the world.

6. Sam Curran to RR

England all-rounder Sam Curran is swapped along with Ravindra Jadeja, moving to the Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. Curran, who returned to CSK in 2025 for ₹2.4 crore, had a disappointing season, scoring just 114 runs and taking only one wicket in five matches.

However, he remains one of the best all-rounders in the world. For CSK, his trade freed up an overseas slot and purse space, while Rajasthan would gain a versatile all-rounder.

7. Arjun Tendulkar to LSG

In a surprising trade move ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, Lucknow Super Giants tarded Mumbai Indian's Arjun Tendulkar, in an all-cash deal for INR 30 Lakhs. The transfer aims to strengthen LSG’s left-arm pace options. This trade could prove crucial for LSG as they look to balance their squads before the new season.

8. Shardul Thakur to MI

The all-rounder from Lucknow Super Giants, Shardul Thakur, has been traded to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash deal of ₹2 crore. The Mumbai-based all-rounder was picked up by LSG for INR 2 crore as an injury replacement for Mohsin Khan in the last edition of the league, in which he featured in 10 matches. Shardul has been a utility player for the franchises he has played for, putting in clutch performances time and again.

9. Mohammed Shami to LSG

Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer, Mohammed Shami, who has been in the news for not being picked in the Indian team, is now at the centre of attention ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Several franchises showed interest in signing the experienced fast bowler, and a trade was on the cards.

Lucknow Super Giants traded Mohammed Shami in an all-cash deal of INR 10 crore. LSG now has an experienced bowler in their squad who was missing last season.

10. Sherfane Rutherford to MI

West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford is set to join the Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2026 season after a smooth trade from the Gujarat Titans. GT had originally bought him for INR 2.6 crore, and he will move to MI at the same price.

In the IPL, Rutherford has featured in 23 matches, in which he has played for Delhi Capitals (2019) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2022). He was also part of the Mumbai Indians squad in 2020 and the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in 2024, though he did not get a chance to play in those seasons.

This move gives MI a powerful all-round option for IPL 2026.

11. Mayank Markande to MI

One of the most talented spinners, Mayank Markande, is set to return to his former team, Mumbai Indians, after being traded from Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR had picked him for INR 30 lakh, and he will join MI at the same price. He has played 37 IPL matches and taken 37 wickets, which makes him a valuable addition to MI’s bowling attack once again.

Markande started his IPL journey with MI and played for them in 2018, 2019 and 2022. He later represented Rajasthan Royals in 2021 and Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023 and 2024.

12. Nitish Rana to DC

Indian Left-handed batter Nitish Rana has been traded to Delhi Capitals from Rajasthan Royals. He will join DC at the same fee of INR 4.2 crore, the amount RR had paid for him at the TATA IPL 2025 auction.

Rana has played 118 IPL matches and also led KKR in 2023. Not only this, his calm batting style will help DC during the middle overs.

13. Donovan Ferreira to RR

South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira is set to return former IPL team by which he started his IPL journey, Rajasthan Royals, after being traded from Delhi Capitals. As part of the trade deal, his salary has been revised from INR 75 lakh to INR 1 crore, which showcases the value he brings as a power-hitter and a handy bowling option.