IPL 2026 All 10 Teams Best Predicted Trade Players List Explained

From Sanju Samson to Glenn Maxwell, discover the best predicted trade players list for all 10 teams ahead of the IPL 2026 Mini Auction.

Trade has long been one of the most powerful engines of human progress, shaping civilisations and driving global connectivity. Its roots trace back to ancient times – well before the invention of money – when communities and nations exchanged goods through barter systems. In those early eras, international trade was a simple yet strategic practice. If Country A needed a product from Country B, it would offer its own locally produced goods in exchange. This mutual exchange laid the foundation for economic interdependence, long before the rise of modern globalisation.

The same concept of trade, deeply rooted in human civilisation, finds a modern parallel in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Just like global trade, IPL teams engage in player exchanges to strengthen their squads ahead of each season. If Team A requires specific players from Team B, it may offer one or more of its own players in return, leveraging mutual understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This barter-style exchange fosters strategic balance and squad optimisation.

Alternatively, teams may opt for direct buy or sell transactions, where a player is acquired at a negotiated market price without any exchange. These deals are often driven by auction dynamics, player form, and team composition needs. Such trade mechanisms are central to IPL’s evolving team strategies, especially during the Mini Auction and pre-season transfer window. So, in this article, we take a look at the best trade players list for all 10 teams ahead of the IPL 2026 Mini Auction. Please note, this is the list made purely from a calculative prediction POV, and may or may not reflect actual deals from the teams. 

IPL 2026 All 10 Teams Best Predicted Trade Players List

CSK Best Trade Players for IPL 2026

• Rahul Tripathi
• Deepak Hooda

Following a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced heavy criticism for backing players who struggled to adapt to the evolving demands of modern T20 cricket. As franchises gear up for the IPL 2026 Mini Auction, CSK is expected to recalibrate its squad strategy. Two players likely to be traded or released are Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda – both of whom failed to deliver consistent impact and no longer align with CSK’s tactical blueprint.

However, these players still hold value and could be strategic assets for teams like:

• Gujarat Titans – seeking middle-order depth
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – looking for Indian batting options
• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – familiar with Tripathi’s past success
• Delhi Capitals – in need of experienced Indian hitters

Delhi Capitals Best Trade Players for IPL 2026 

• T Natarajan

If there’s one player in the Delhi Capitals camp who has consistently missed out on opportunities despite being match-fit, it’s T Natarajan. The left-arm pacer, known for his death-over precision, was surprisingly benched for most of the season – even after the franchise shelled out nearly ₹10 crore to acquire him. What’s more shocking is the team mentor’s public remark: “Where should we play Natarajan? We don’t have space for him.” Such statements have raised eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity.

Given his skillset and untapped potential, Natarajan could be a prime trade candidate ahead of the IPL 2026 Mini Auction, with franchises like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rajasthan Royals actively scouting for raw Indian pace talent. A move could not only revive Natarajan’s IPL career but also offer strategic depth to teams seeking left-arm variety and death-over control.

Gujarat Titans Best Trade Players for IPL 202

• Kagiso Rabada

Imagine you have a player of Kagiso Rabada’s calibre, but you can’t play him because the player was suspended for alleged Drug usage. it’s a pity that the Gujarat Titans couldn’t see a star bowler as a part of their playing 11. But even after that, GT did pretty well to be playing the Qualifiers. So, come to IPL 2026, don’t be surprised if GT looks to trade Kagiso Rabada, with teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders looking for quality pacers. 

KKR Best Trade Players for IPL 2026

• Venkatesh Iyer

It is no secret that Venkatesh Iyer was the worst and most illogical buy of IPL 2025. KKR, who were fascinated by not sure what, spent a humongous 24 Cr to acquire the services of Venkatesh Iyer. While the mistake wasn’t completed at that moment, the team also didn’t give Iyer the Captaincy role, nor did they give him enough opportunities with bat or ball during the entire tournament. So, it is completely logical to trade or release Venkatesh Iyer, with teams like Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad targeting him. 

LSG Best Trade Players for IPL 2026

• Mayank Yadav
• Mohsin Khan

If there is one team that has the most number of Indian pacers in the side, it is the Lucknow Super Giants. However, this is more of a disadvantage as LSG have pacers in quantity, but quality is missing. So, LSG must already be contemplating trading Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav – both of whom are injury-prone, and may not add much value for IPL 2026 as well. Expect teams like the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rajasthan Royals to target these two pacers. 

MI Best Trade Players for IPL 2026

• Deepak Chahar

The Mumbai Indians is one team that looks fairly settled for IPL 2026, and they would be the least participative during the IPL 2026 Mini Auction. However, if they were to, the team may look to trade Deepak Chahar, who keeps getting injured, and isn’t as effective as his previous campaigns. So, teams like Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, and  

Punjab Kings Best Trade Players List for IPL 2026

• Glenn Maxwell

Punjab Kings ticked most boxes during their IPL 2025 campaign, but one glaring miss was the underwhelming performance of Glenn Maxwell. Despite being consistently backed by the franchise, Maxwell failed to deliver, leaving both fans and management disappointed. It’s a stark contrast to his explosive stint with PBKS back in IPL 2014, where he was a game-changer. But form, fitness, and match impact have shifted dramatically over the years, and PBKS may now be contemplating a trade move for the Australian all-rounder.

Potential suitors include:

• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – seeking middle-order firepower
• Gujarat Titans – looking for an experienced finisher
• Delhi Capitals – in need of a dynamic overseas all-rounder
• Rajasthan Royals (RR) – exploring leadership and batting depth

RR Best Trade Players for IPL 2026

• Sanju Samson

In what would be one of the biggest shocks of the IPL 2026 trade window, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are reportedly contemplating a blockbuster trade involving their long-time captain, Sanju Samson. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter is being linked with potential moves to the Delhi Capitals or the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Currently, the Delhi Capitals are led by Axar Patel, but the franchise would likely welcome Samson’s leadership and batting firepower.

With a strong purse and a leadership vacuum post-Rishabh Pant’s injury, DC may not hesitate to shell out ₹18 crore to secure Samson’s services. On the other hand, KKR, which is also in search of a long-term captain, could make a compelling offer by trading Venkatesh Iyer to free up funds and balance their squad. Samson’s addition would bring both tactical stability and fan appeal to the franchise. If this trade materialises, it could redefine the leadership landscape of IPL 2026.

RCB Best Trade Players for IPL 2026

• Liam Livingstone

The IPL 2025 champions were near-perfect with their season last year. However, for a champion team like RCB, there’s no room for complacency. Hence, if there is one player they would want to trade or release, it is Liam Livingstone. Livingstone continued his horror show in the IPL, and has failed miserably even after continuous backing. So, expect RCB to trade Livingstone, with teams like Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, and Rajasthan Royals wanting to add him. 

SRH Best Trade Players for IPL 2026 

• Mohammed Shami
• Rahul Chahar

Finally, talking about Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team must already be contemplating trading two unreliable players – Mohammed Shami and Rahul Chahar. Neither Shami nor Chahar is in SRH’s plans for IPL 2026. While Shami has lost his mojo as a bowler post his injury, Chahar was denied opportunities even when SRH had sufficient matches. So, expect teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rajasthan Royals to actually look to trade these bowlers. 

So, that’s about the best trade players list for all 10 Teams for IPL 2026. Which players do you think the teams will trade for sure? Please share your thoughts on ipladdafounder@gmail.com.

© IPLadda