News
3 Players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Can TRADE For Sanju Samson Ahead of IPL 2026
Follow UsKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are right now the favourites to land Sanju Samson
The Sanju Samson saga is never-ending, and that caravan has now moved to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who, out of nowhere, have become one of the favourites to land the Kerala superstar.
KKR are the team best placed to move around their chips and land a favourable trade that could tempt the Royals. Given their terrible eighth-place finish in IPL 2025, it's now even more crucial for the Knights to land Samson.
But who are the three players that KKR can use for the Sanju Samson trade?
Venkatesh Iyer
If KKR trades Venkatesh Iyer, it will be a straightforward trade for the franchise, and if anything, it will also get the franchise an additional INR 5.75 crore. Why so? The three-time IPL champions landed Iyer for a price of INR 23.75 crore, and Samson’s value is only at INR 18 crore.
KKR might be tempted to do this trade, given that they already have Rinku Singh, a proven left-hander in the middle order. Samson at the top solves their biggest issues - a stable opener and an Indian wicketkeeper-batter.
Rinku Singh + INR 5 crore
If not Iyer, KKR could try their luck with Rinku Singh, which gives them more flexibility. Over the last few years, Rinku’s form hasn’t been the best, and it gives them the right platform to ship off the left-hander.
Rinku is one of the highest-earning players in the franchise, and using him as a chip will help KKR free up an additional middle-order spot for an up-and-coming talent like Angkrish Raghuvanshi. It might tempt the Royals, who lack a quality Indian finisher.
Varun Chakaravarthy + INR 6 crore
With Sunil Narine already in the setup, KKR can also look at Varun Chakaravarthy as an option to get in Samson. Chakaravarthy might be at the peak of his powers, but he has a bad history of injuries. It would tempt KKR to make the move, as Samson will add the much-needed balance to the setup.
It is a good deal for the Royals, considering they lack a quality Indian spin option, and Chakaravarthy fills that void.