After Career-Best Season, KL Rahul’s Comment Leaves Delhi Capitals Fans Worried

KL Rahul has set off alarm bells at the Delhi Capitals with a candid podcast remark that has instantly fuelled exit rumours ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Appearing on the 2 Sloggers podcast, the 33-year-old was compared to Aaron Finch, who holds the record for playing for nine IPL teams. When asked if he too might reach that mark, Rahul replied with a smile, “I am also not too far.” The comment, delivered in jest, has been interpreted by fans and analysts as a subtle hint at another franchise switch—especially after he joined Delhi just a year ago for Rs 14 crore in the 2025 mega auction following his release from the Lucknow Super Giants.

Rahul’s 2025 season with Delhi was nothing short of spectacular. In his debut campaign for the Capitals, he scored 539 runs in 13 matches at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72, including one century and three fifties. He formed a formidable opening partnership with Jake Fraser-McGurk and provided stability in the middle order when required. His unbeaten 112 off 65 balls against Gujarat Titans was the standout knock, while his 77 off 51 at Chepauk against Chennai Super Kings ended a long-standing jinx for Delhi at that venue. As wicketkeeper and vice-captain under Axar Patel, Rahul was instrumental in guiding the team to a top-four finish—its best in years.

Yet, the “not too far” remark has sparked intense speculation, particularly around a potential move to the Kolkata Knight Riders. Reports suggest KKR, who had a disappointing 2025 under Ajinkya Rahane, are actively looking for a captain-opener-wicketkeeper combination. Rahul fits the bill perfectly. His prior working relationship with KKR assistant coach Abhishek Nayar—Rahul’s long-time mentor—adds credibility to the buzz. Sources indicate exploratory talks have begun, though no formal trade request has been made. Delhi, meanwhile, remains unwilling to part with their star unless offered a high-value asset in return.

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Complicating matters is Delhi’s own interest in Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson as a potential leadership successor to Axar Patel. If DC pursues Samson aggressively, it could free up Rahul for a move. However, the Capitals’ management has publicly backed Rahul as a core retention, with head coach Hemang Badani praising his “calm authority” and “match-winning composure”. Retention lists are due by November 15, 2025, and teams can retain up to six players. Rahul is widely expected to be among Delhi’s top picks—unless a blockbuster trade alters the landscape.

Rahul’s IPL journey has been defined by excellence without a title. He has represented five franchises—Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and now Delhi Capitals—amassing 5,222 runs in 145 matches. He won the Orange Cap in 2020 with 670 runs, holds the record for the fastest IPL fifty (14 balls, 2018), and led LSG to back-to-back playoffs. Despite consistent individual brilliance, the IPL trophy remains elusive. His latest comment reflects both self-awareness of his nomadic career and a quiet ambition to finally lift the silverware.

As the trade window heats up ahead of the December 2026 mini-auction, Rahul finds himself at the center of one of the offseason’s biggest storylines. Whether his podcast quip was mere banter or a genuine signal, one thing is clear: in the high-stakes world of IPL franchise cricket, KL Rahul remains one of the most coveted—and unpredictable—assets in the game.

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