Fri Nov 21 03:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Capitals Head Coach Laughs Off KL Rahul Trade Rumors

New Delhi, November 16, 2025 – Delhi Capitals (DC) Head Coach Hemang Badani has dismissed recent media speculation regarding the potential trade of star batter KL Rahul ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Reports had suggested DC was in talks with other franchises to offload Rahul, acquired for INR 14 Cr in the 2025 mega auction.

However, Badani clarified the situation in a statement to Star Sports following DC’s announcement of retained and released players. He expressed amusement at the rumors, emphasizing Rahul’s value to the team.

“I am quite amused by what people keep writing on social media,” Badani stated. “But we were never going to let go of KL Rahul. He is someone who has given us 500 runs throughout the season. He has also batted at No. 4, No. 3 and batted at the top. He has scored runs everywhere.”

Rahul enjoyed a successful 2025 season for DC, racking up 539 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 53.90, including one century and three half-centuries. Badani reiterated that there was “never an iota of doubt” about retaining the versatile batsman.

The Delhi Capitals have retained a strong core of players including Axar Patel, Karun Nair, Abishek Porel, Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav for the upcoming season. They have also traded in Nitish Rana from Rajasthan Royals (RR). Meanwhile, they have released Mohit Sharma, Faf du Plessis, and traded Donovan Ferreira to RR.

The coach’s statement puts an end to the swirling rumors and confirms Rahul’s integral role in the Delhi Capitals’ plans for IPL 2026.

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