IPL 2026: Nitish Rana’s KKR Cap Ignites Speculation of Trade to Kolkata

One of the best players of the Rajasthan Royals (RR), Nitish Rana, has become one of the most talked-about figures in Indian cricket these days. Fans and experts predict that he may leave the franchise to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and play for them in the IPL 2026. Rana previously played for this team from 2018 to 2024, after which he moved to RR. With this club, the player finished ninth in IPL 2025.

Attentive fans 

The reason to believe that Rana is interested in returning to KKR is his recent training session ahead of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025. The player was wearing a KKR cap in the classic purple and gold colors. Attentive fans immediately noticed this fact and began to discuss it heatedly on social media and forums. However, even if the rumors are true and Nitish is indeed interested in returning to the Knight Riders, that doesn’t mean it will be easy. The transfer is only possible after the IPL 2026 transfer window opens, and RR needs to decide whether they want to trade the player to KKR or another franchise.

A disappointing season 

The 2025 IPL season was not the most successful for Rana. He scored 217 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 161.94. However, the player suffered an injury and missed the last three regular-season RR matches. Nitish also did not have a permanent position on the field and was used in different batting positions, which affected his level of play.