IPL 2027: Top 3 trade rumours making headlines

While the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season begins in 2027 and we have only reached the middle of 2026, trade rumours have dominated cricket circles in recent weeks, much to the intrigue of the fans.

There are quite a few big names that could be switching franchises ahead of the mini-auction, which is expected to be held later this year. Last year, Sanju Samson shifted base from the Rajasthan Royals to the Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja. This year, we could see multiple high-profile trades.

IPL 2027: Top 3 trade rumours making headlines

3. Suryakumar Yadav to KKR

The Kolkata Knight Riders have had two forgettable seasons under captain Ajinkya Rahane. They finished eighth last year and seventh this year. The Knights are reportedly looking for an overhaul and a new captain to steer the ship out of tumultuous times. There have been rumours about Suryakumar Yadav returning to the Knight Riders, a franchise where he was the vice-captain at one point.

The right-handed batter has been dropped from the Indian T20I side, despite leading the team to the T20 World Cup title earlier this year. If Suryakumar joins KKR, he is expected to be given captaincy duties, and he will be eager to give the selectors a headache.

2. Hardik Pandya to RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal to MI

This speculation has set the rumour mill ablaze. Some reports suggested that Hardik Pandya is set to part ways with the Mumbai Indians. The Rajasthan Royals are reportedly leading the race to acquire the services of the Baroda all-rounder. However, they will have to let go of Yashasvi Jaiswal as part of the trade.

Interestingly, if this trade goes through, MI would have roped in a former RR vice-captain at the expense of their own skipper. Yashasvi and Rohit Sharma opening the batting will strengthen MI batting considerably, with Ryan Rickelton also in the mix.

1. Rishabh Pant to DC, Kuldeep Yadav to LSG

The trade between Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav is reportedly the closest to completion. After two abysmal seasons at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Pant is rumoured to be ready to take a pay cut. He was roped in by the Super Giants for a record-breaking INR 27 crore and appointed captain. However, he could join his former franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC), for INR 15 crore.

Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, is reportedly going to continue on his 13.25 crore salary, but he could be donning the LSG jersey. The left-arm wrist spinner wasn’t in great form in IPL 2026. However, bowling at DC’s home ground – Arun Jaitley Stadium – isn’t easy as the boundaries are short. Kuldeep will enjoy bowling at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, where the pitches favour the spinners and the boundaries are also quite big. The veteran spinner will also know the conditions like the back of his hand, as it is his home ground in domestic cricket.