Credit: BCCI/IPL
The best thing, rather the most thrilling thing about the Indian Premier League (IPL) is its sheer unpredictability. And that is because of the very fact that barring some of the iconic and most celebrated names in it, such as Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who've primarily played for one single outfit, the others in the series cannot take their place in their respective sides for granted. This fundamentally means that they could be majestic batting talents or clever and effective bowling talents but they cannot prevail with the air of certainty about belonging to a particular IPL franchise. In that respect, change is the constant nature of this thrilling format of the game.
Last season, it was observed that a few very talented and eye catching names sort of struggled while some were simply injured. Irrespective, they failed to pack a punch and resultantly, there is a growing feeling that 3 overseas players could change teams before the next edition. Having said that let us explore the reasons why the following three talents could likely undergo an IPL team change.
Here's a look at three overseas players who might get traded ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026
1. Sam Curran Could be traded to Lucknow Super Giants
Despite being bought for a mega price of 2.4 crore ahead of IPL 2025, CSK’s massively talented Sam Curran did turn out to be a bit of a disappointment and his name is one of the three overseas player who could change teams before the next edition - in all likelihood!
But where does Curran, who’s been in the IPL since 2019 and having played 64 matches already, go to next. It is being felt - unless proven otherwise - that Sam Curran’s next IPL destination could well be the avidly talented unit of LSG.
2. Glenn Maxwell could be traded to Delhi Capitals
One among the three overseas player who could change teams before the next edition could well be world cricket’s famous and widely noted batter nicknamed “Big Show”. For someone who already possesses plenty of world class experience having waged brute assaults with the bat, Maxwell’s ability to up the tempo of any IPL inning is second to none. Back in the day, he created a havoc for some of the most challenging bowlers out there whether one speaks of talents like a Harbhajan Singh, Lasith Malinga, and company.
An accomplished destructive batter second to none, Maxwell’s recent season with Punjab Kings in 2025 was one to forget. Owing to an unfortunate finger injury, Maxwell had to be sidelined in order to take rest and therefore, his Punjab team had signed up Mitch Owen, who recently made his T20I debut for the Aussies. This time around, in 2026, it seems Glenn Maxwell could go to Delhi Capitals. That’s where elder statesmen of the franchise T20 format such as Faf are already well cemented.
3. Kamindu Mendis could be traded to Chennai Super Kings
5 matches- 92 runs- 2 wickets and best of 1-for!
And that's all!
Currently with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, it appears as though Kamindu Mendis is definitely one among the three overseas player who could change teams before the next edition. And in his case, in particular, it could be said that Mendis’s future verdict in terms of an IPL team change could be a touch harsh for the simple reason that he’s but one season old in the premier T20 franchise based platform.
He made his debut against the Kolkata Knight Riders team in April 2025. But could he go to Chennai Super Kings, that’s often fielded Sri Lankan talents in the past and still does have a unique talent in the form of Pathirana?
