In a significant development before the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Delhi Capitals (DC) are reportedly pushing to bring back wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, while Tristan Stubbs is expected to be traded to Rajasthan Royals (RR). With just a month remaining for the auction, trade negotiations between the franchises have intensified.
According to a report from TOI, both teams have been evaluating multiple possibilities in recent days. Delhi Capitals are eager to add Samson, but are cautious about parting ways with any of their core squad members.
𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕: “𝑫𝑪 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑺𝒂𝒎𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒅𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔.”
KKR Monitoring KL Rahul Situation
Indian Test opener KL Rahul was allegedly mentioned in some initial discussions, but Delhi were quick to shut down any approach for the star player. Rahul had a strong season previously and continues to hold major commercial and performance value for the Capitals.
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals showed openness towards including Stubbs in their squad for the future. However, they also wanted an additional uncapped Indian cricketer as part of the deal.
𝑨 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒅: “𝑹𝑹 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒃𝒃𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒘𝒂𝒑 — 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑫𝑪 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕.”
This stance has now increased the chances of Samson moving to DC ahead of IPL 2026.
RR Also Explored Trade with CSK
Rajasthan has reportedly attempted to find the best possible trade for Samson over the last few months. One such proposal was a high-profile swap involving Ravindra Jadeja from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, the talks did not progress beyond the initial inquiry stage.
As the situation stands:
Samson to Delhi Capitals — likely
Stubbs to Rajasthan Royals — expected
No confirmation yet — pending final approvals
KKR Eyeing KL Rahul as Leader
Adding further intrigue, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are still exploring possibilities to bring KL Rahul into their squad. Rahul shares a strong working relationship with KKR’s new head coach Abhishek Nayar, making the move attractive for the franchise.
However, KKR currently lacks a trade asset valuable enough to tempt DC into negotiations.
With the IPL mini-auction fast approaching, the player trade market is heating up, and all eyes will be on whether Samson’s reunion with Delhi Capitals becomes a blockbuster confirmation in the coming days.
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