Ahead of IPL 2026 season, the player transfer market is heating up. Reports suggest that Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are keen to sign an Indian star currently with MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Cricket circles are abuzz with speculation that KKR’s new head coach, Abhishek Nayar, has his eyes set on Rahul Tripathi.
চেন্নাই থেকে কলকাতা? ধোনির এই সতীর্থকে দলে টানতে আগ্রহী শাহরুখের ফ্র্যাঞ্চাইজি!
After Chandrakant Pandit stepped down as KKR’s coach, the management swiftly handed the reins to Abhishek Nayar. Since taking charge, Nayar has started working on future plans to rebuild the team and strengthen the batting lineup. Reportedly, that’s why he wants to bring Tripathi from Chennai to Kolkata.
According to a Cricbuzz report, all ten IPL franchises will announce their list of retained players by November 15, and the auction will take place between December 13 and 16. Before that, a Cricket Addictor report claimed that KKR have already been in touch with Tripathi.
Sources indicate that Chennai Super Kings may release several senior players ahead of the upcoming season, and Tripathi’s name is among them. Upon hearing this, KKR are said to have moved quickly to explore signing him. However, Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise has yet to make any official statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, speculation grew stronger when Abhishek Nayar and Rahul Tripathi were recently spotted together at a party. The viral photo has sent KKR fans into a frenzy. Tripathi, who previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, is known for his aggressive batting and ability to score quickly during the powerplay — making him a valuable asset to any team.
Now the big question remains: will KKR really succeed in bringing Rahul Tripathi back from Chennai? Or will this remain just another rumour? The answer will be revealed when the auction begins.