While Sanju Samson’s possible switch from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings has grabbed headlines, another major development is stirring the IPL trade buzz. Reports suggest a high-profile trade could be on the cards between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, involving Phil Salt and Venkatesh Iyer.

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Rumour：RCB and KKR’s Player Exchange Trade

After a stellar IPL 2025 season with RCB, England’s explosive opener Phil Salt may return to KKR, the franchise he helped clinch the 2024 title. In exchange, Venkatesh Iyer could make his way to Bengaluru, adding a dynamic all-round option to the RCB squad ahead of the 2026 auction.

RCB’s Dilemma：Phil Salt To KKR?

Phil Salt was one of RCB’s standout performers in their title-winning IPL 2025 campaign, scoring 403 runs in 13 matches at an average of 33.58 and a blistering strike rate of 175.98. He registered four half-centuries, consistently providing explosive starts at the top.

Phil Salt doing what he does best 💥

He delivers a big knock in a crucial clash with a 23-ball 5⃣0⃣* 💪

Updates ▶ https://t.co/FhocIrgBRT#TATAIPL | #PBKSvRCB | #Qualifier1 | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/4GvcHd7jRb

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 29, 2025

However, despite his strong numbers, RCB may consider releasing Salt ahead of the IPL 2026 auction due to strategic reasons. The absence of a left-hander in RCB’s top six disrupts the ideal left-right batting balance, something crucial in T20 tactics. Additionally, Jitesh Sharma emerging as the preferred wicketkeeper reduces Salt’s role as a gloveman. His backup, Jacob Bethell, brings added value as a left-handed batter and part-time spinner, offering more versatility to the squad. Considering his hefty INR 11.5 crore price tag, RCB might opt for a more balanced and flexible lineup going forward.

KKR’s Calculated Gamble：Venkatesh Iyer To RCB?

From Kolkata Knight Riders’ perspective, Venkatesh Iyer’s IPL 2025 campaign didn’t live up to expectations, especially considering his massive INR 23.75 crore price tag. In 11 matches, he managed just 142 runs at an average of 20.29 and a strike rate of 139.22, with only one half-century to his name. Despite his past successes and all-round potential, Iyer struggled to make a consistent impact.

Lighting up Eden Gardens with some fireworks 💥

Sit back and enjoy Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer’s super striking 🍿👏

5⃣0⃣ up for Iyer in the process!

Updates ▶ https://t.co/jahSPzdeys#TATAIPL | #KKRvSRH | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/AAAqnOsRy8

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 3, 2025

A key issue was the lack of role clarity. He was shuffled across the middle order, often batting at No. 4 or 5, well below his preferred positions in the top three. This tactical misalignment limited his effectiveness, particularly on spin-friendly tracks where building momentum late in the innings proved difficult. Moreover, inconsistent game time and unclear responsibilities further eroded his confidence and rhythm.

#𝙆𝙆𝙍 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙞𝙜 & 𝙝𝙤𝙬! 💪 💪

Venkatesh Iyer is back with Kolkata Knight Riders 🙌 🙌

Base Price: INR 2 Crore

SOLD For: INR 23.75 Crore#TATAIPLAuction | #TATAIPL | @venkateshiyer | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/4eDZPt5Pdx

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) November 24, 2024

Given these challenges, along with his steep salary cap burden, KKR might consider releasing Iyer ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Doing so would free up crucial funds and allow the franchise to rebuild with more clearly defined roles and better value-for-money picks.

If The RCB-KKR IPL Trade Buzz Happens…

Phil Salt to KKR：Rekindling the Explosive Opening Pair

Kolkata Knight Riders’ top-order woes in IPL 2025 were evident, with neither Quinton de Kock nor Rahmanullah Gurbaz managing to form a reliable partnership with Sunil Narine. The result was frequent top-order collapses and a lack of momentum in the Powerplay. Bringing back Phil Salt, who was a key part of KKR’s 2024 title-winning run, could solve that.

Salt’s aggressive style, sharp running between the wickets, and ability to exploit fielding restrictions make him a natural fit alongside Narine. In IPL 2025, he scored 403 runs for RCB at a strike rate of 175.98, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers early. He also brings stability and familiarity with the KKR setup, which could help him slot back in seamlessly. The fact that KKR had already succeeded with the Salt-Narine pairing makes this a low-risk, high-reward move for them.

Venkatesh Iyer to RCB：The Left-Handed Indian Core They Missed

On the flip side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru might finally get their man. After aggressively bidding for Venkatesh Iyer in the 2025 mega auction, only to lose out to KKR at INR 23.75 crore, this trade could give RCB the left-handed Indian top-order batter they sorely lacked. Iyer’s ability to bat in the top three, especially as an opener or No. 3, would immediately add variety to an otherwise right-heavy lineup featuring Kohli, Patidar, Mayank, and Livingstone.

While Iyer had a poor 2025 season (142 runs in 11 matches), RCB’s coaching staff has shown long-standing faith in his potential. Head coach Andy Flower and Director of Cricket M Bobat have openly praised his aggressive intent, positional flexibility, and value as a left-handed option. Moreover, Iyer’s part-time medium pace adds depth to RCB’s bowling — a crucial factor in a long tournament. He could relieve pressure off the main bowlers in spin-friendly conditions, especially when matchups favor his style.

Why the Trade Makes Strategic Sense?

Both teams are trading from a position of surplus to address areas of weakness:

• KKR offloads an under-utilized Indian batter at a premium price and regains a proven opening partner for Narine.
• RCB upgrades their squad balance by finally getting the left-hand top-order Indian bat they were missing, with the added bonus of a bowling option.

If the Phil Salt to KKR and Venkatesh Iyer to RCB trade materializes, it would be one of the most mutually beneficial moves of the IPL 2026 pre-auction window, aligning with tactical needs, role clarity, and franchise philosophy on both sides.

A Strategic IPL Trade Buzz That Could Reshape Both Franchises

As the IPL trade buzz intensifies ahead of the 2026 auction, a potential Phil Salt to KKR and Venkatesh Iyer to RCB swap appears not just plausible but strategically sound. KKR would restore their explosive opening pair with Salt, while RCB could finally secure a dynamic left-handed Indian batter and part-time bowler in Iyer, balancing their lineup.

Interestingly, to even out the deal, Liam Livingstone might also be part of the trade. The English all-rounder endured a forgettable IPL 2025 with just 112 runs in 11 games, averaging 20.12. Offloading Livingstone could free up RCB’s overseas slot and reduce salary burden. If finalized, this multi-player trade would be one of the most defining moves of the IPL 2026 pre-auction window, giving both teams a fresh tactical edge and greater role clarity.