Rajasthan Royals’ Last-Minute Conditions Stop Sanju Samson’s Trade to Delhi Capitals

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson was on the verge of a blockbuster trade to Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction, with negotiations advancing to the point where senior DC players—including overseas stars—were briefed on his impending arrival. The deal, which would have seen the wicketkeeper-batter leave his long-term franchise for a new challenge, collapsed at the eleventh hour due to RR's escalating demands. According to reports, Rajasthan initially sought South African powerhouse Tristan Stubbs in exchange but later insisted on including uncapped Uttar Pradesh batter Sameer Rizvi as well, a condition DC outright rejected.

The breakdown highlighted the high value placed on Samson, retained by RR for Rs 18 crore ahead of the 2025 season after a stellar campaign where he smashed 531 runs at a strike rate of 153.47. Having led Rajasthan in 67 matches since taking over captaincy, the 30-year-old Kerala native has been the franchise's cornerstone since joining in 2013 at age 19. Sources indicate the trade had progressed far enough for an official announcement to seem imminent before DC owners pulled the plug, unwilling to part with both Stubbs—a dynamic middle-order finisher—and Rizvi, who fetched Rs 8.4 crore from CSK in 2024 but has shown promise.

With the Delhi deal dead, Rajasthan swiftly pivoted to Chennai Super Kings, proposing a high-profile swap involving Samson for veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Similar to the stalled DC talks, RR pushed for an additional asset, floating names like England’s Sam Curran or Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana to sweeten the package. CSK, looking to bolster their wicketkeeping options post-MSK Prasad era, see Samson as a long-term leader alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Also Read: CSK Warned: Priyank Panchal Advises Against Trading Jadeja for Sanju Samson

The saga underscores the frenetic wheeling and dealing ahead of the November 24-25 mega auction in Jeddah, where uncapped players like Rizvi could command premiums and retentions remain fluid. Samson’s potential exit ends an era at Rajasthan, where he debuted over a decade ago and delivered consistent excellence, including five half-centuries in 2024. As franchises finalise retentions—limited to six players—the collapsed trade has ripple effects, potentially freeing Stubbs for DC’s plans while keeping Samson in limbo between loyalty and a fresh start.

Also Read: CSK Warned: Priyank Panchal Advises Against Trading Jadeja for Sanju Samson