The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifting their maiden title, but franchises have already begun strategizing for the IPL 2026. With the trade window open and the mini-auction approaching, teams are evaluating their rosters and identifying areas for improvement. Both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are aiming to address shortcomings from the previous season. Here are three potential player swaps that could benefit both franchises in the upcoming IPL 2026 season.

1. Romario Shepherd to CSK for Nathan Ellis

One of the most discussed potential trades involves West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd moving to Chennai Super Kings, while Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis heads to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

• Chennai Super Kings: CSK struggled in the IPL 2025, finishing at the bottom of the points table. One of their main issues was the lack of a powerful finisher who could ease the pressure on players like Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni. They also needed a batter who could score quick runs in the middle overs and increase the scoring rate in the powerplay. Romario Shepherd could fulfill both these roles. Shepherd, known for his aggressive hitting and handy medium-fast bowling, could provide the late-innings firepower that CSK desperately needs. In a match against CSK in IPL 2025, Shepherd smashed a half-century off just 14 balls, the fastest ever by an RCB player and the joint second-fastest in IPL history. He ended up scoring 53 runs off 14 balls. Overall in IPL, Shepherd has played 18 matches, scored 70 runs with a strike rate of 291.

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB, despite winning the IPL 2025, had specific areas they needed to address. They leaked too many runs in the powerplay and needed a reliable bowler to deliver repeatable 18th and 20th overs to prevent high-scoring. Nathan Ellis, with his ability to bowl yorkers and various slower balls, could be the ideal fit for RCB's needs. Ellis is known for his death-bowling skills and could help RCB restrict opponents in the final overs. In IPL 2025, Ellis played for CSK.

2. Khaleel Ahmed to RCB for Jitesh Sharma to CSK

This trade addresses specific needs for both teams related to their batting and bowling line-ups.

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Khaleel Ahmed provides RCB with a left-arm powerplay specialist who can take wickets early and stem the flow of boundaries.

• Chennai Super Kings: Jitesh Sharma could be the top-order enforcer that CSK lacked in the previous season. He can also provide a wicket-keeping option, which is essential as CSK plans for the post-MS Dhoni era.

3. Potential Targets for CSK and RCB in IPL 2026 Auction

Apart from direct player swaps, both CSK and RCB will be looking to target specific players in the IPL 2026 auction.

• Chennai Super Kings: With Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement, CSK might target Washington Sundar, who can bowl spin and bat decently. They might also consider Sanju Samson as a long-term replacement for MS Dhoni, given Samson's leadership and wicket-keeping skills. Other potential targets include Donovan Ferreira, who can solve middle-order power-hitting problems, and Cameron Green, a seam-bowling all-rounder.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB may look to acquire players such as Glenn Phillips, Mukesh Kumar, and Abhinav Manohar. They may also aim to retain key players from their IPL 2025-winning squad, including Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, and Krunal Pandya. Finn Allen, a New Zealand top-order batter, could also be a target for RCB.

By strategically utilizing the trade window and mini-auction, both Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have the opportunity to strengthen their squads and address the weaknesses identified in the previous season. These potential player swaps and acquisitions could significantly impact their performance in the IPL 2026.