- August 10, 2025
If there’s one thing IPL fans love almost as much as the matches themselves, it’s the drama of the off-season. You know, that time when franchises shuffle players around, social media goes into overdrive, and everyone’s best friend suddenly becomes an “insider source.” From shocking captain swaps to unexpected comebacks, IPL trade talk has given us some iconic moments over the years.
1. Sanju Samson – The Backbone of RR: Considering a New Path
Sanju Samson and the Rajasthan Royals have been together for 10 years running, but in a shocking twist of fate, no one saw coming, the RR captain appears to want a release for the 2026 auction. Since making his debut for the franchise in 2013, Samson has accumulated over 4,700 runs, led them to runners-up in 2022, and represented them at the playoffs in 2024.
Speculation suggests Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is his most likely destination for relocation, a fit given CSK’s desire to establish a culture of valuing Indian leadership from experienced hands. These trades are about more than cricket sense—identity matters. It would feel odd, even jarring, to experience RR without Samson; maybe it’s a little like seeing Dhoni in anything but yellow.
2. Hardik Pandya – The Homecoming That Split Opinions
Remember the end of 2023? The cricket world was still buzzing from India’s ODI World Cup run when Hardik Pandya decided to spice things up. After leading Gujarat Titans to a title in their debut season and a runners-up finish the next year, Hardik was traded back to Mumbai Indians (MI).
But this wasn’t just a “welcome home” party—MI had to send Cameron Green packing to RCB and pay GT in cash. Hardik’s return was supposed to be a fairytale, but MI fans weren’t entirely on board. Boos followed him across stadiums in 2024. Still, by 2025, MI bounced back into playoff contention, proving that sometimes the most controversial moves pay off… just not right away.
3. Rohit Sharma – The Trade That Almost Was
When there were whispers that Rohit Sharma might be leaving MI before the auction of 2025, it was like picturing Sachin Tendulkar wearing an Australia jersey – just wrong. The five-time IPL-winning captain had been replaced by Hardik in 2024, and the whispers suggested a deterioration of his relationship with the franchise.
In the end, there was no trade, and Rohit remained. Thank goodness – it was the best season he had had in years, scoring 418 runs at a ((strively)) near 150 strike rates. Sometimes the stronger move is to remain in familiar colors.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin – The PBKS Exit Drama
It was 2019, and Ashwin’s departure from Punjab Kings was hardly ordinary: the team and new head coach Anil Kumble had an initial roadblock, but relented ultimately, allowing him to leave for the Delhi Capitals.
In the end, it was a win-win situation: DC qualified for the playoffs in 2020, in which Ashwin played a big role in the success. This move reminded fans of Kumble’s India and gave the sense that player insistence can be just as strong as franchise will in the IPL.
5. KL Rahul – The Rumour That’s Heating Up Right Now
Although KL Rahul had a great Test series in England, his IPL future is still a mystery. He was bought by DC in the last mega auction for ₹14 crore. Now he is surfacing with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who may also give Venkatesh Iyer in return.
KKR landing Rahul could act as a flashpoint after a terrible 2025 season. For DC, it’s a way to cash in on him while he is still valuable. And for the rest of us—it’s proof that the IPL drama does not stop when the last ball is bowled: it not only carries on, it just moves venues.
