Delhi Capitals cannot leave Tristan Stubbs for Sanju Samson; KKR lead the chase

Indian wicketkeeper-batter and Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson’s IPL future has been the hottest topic in franchise cricket for a long time. Sanju Samson has already made up his mind to leave the Royals, and the rumors of a trade have been ruling the headlines for the past two weeks.

The star wicketkeeper-batter, who currently draws a massive ₹18 crore salary from the Rajasthan Royals, has reportedly asked to be released from the franchise.

KKR lead the chase for Sanju Samson as Abhishek Nayar eyes a proven Indian leader

According to reports, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Delhi Capitals (DC) are closely tracking Samson’s situation and preparing to make their moves if he becomes available.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Read Also: Rohit Sharma, Abhishek Sharma remain untouchable at No.1 in ICC Rankings despite Pakistan players’ massive rise

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are most interested in Samson. KKR, under new head coach Abhishek Nayar, is eager to add a proven Indian leader to its ranks.

Financially, the deal could be manageable for them, as releasing Venkatesh Iyer might immediately free up the ₹18 crore required to bring Samson on board ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: "It seems like Sanju won't stay there. However, if you are leaving an ₹18 crore player, you need an equally good quality player. If Rajasthan want to release Sanju, which team can give someone in return? KKR will be extremely interested in an all-cash deal. Delhi won't mind, although you also have to release ₹18 crore for Sanju to come into your side. KKR won't have that problem, because if they release Venkatesh Iyer, ₹18 crore will be released in a jiffy, and you can do an all-cash deal."

CSK and DC plan a major reshuffle to bring Sanju Samson into their squad before IPL 2026

Even the Kolkata side is reportedly open to an all-cash deal if Rajasthan agrees to part ways with their star player. On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals are exploring the idea of a player swap deal involving South African finisher Tristan Stubbs.

Stubbs, who was bought for ₹10 crore, had a solid IPL 2025 season and fits perfectly in Rajasthan’s middle order. However, DC might still face an ₹8 crore shortfall in the transaction if the swap happens.

Read Also: Steve Waugh levels big accusation against George Bailey as controversy hits Australian cricket before Ashes

Chopra added, "Delhi won't mind if Sanju Samson comes on their side because Sanju plays well on this ground. They can release Jake-Fraser McGurk if they get Sanju. Sanju will keep and open, and KL Rahul might open with him, but they cannot leave Tristan Stubbs."

But the move could boost Delhi’s top order, as Sanju Samson’s arrival would allow him to open alongside KL Rahul, forming one of the most dangerous Indian batting pairs in the IPL.

Well, Chennai Super Kings are also watching the situation closely. The CSK looks at Samson as a long-term solution behind the stumps and a powerful presence in the top order. CSK have the financial flexibility to match Samson’s price tag if they release one or two senior players before the auction.

Rajasthan Royals consider revamp after poor IPL 2025 season

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has been the face of the Royals for years and played a key role in shaping the team’s identity, so losing him would be a massive setback for them. But the RR team management is reportedly open to revamping their core after another disappointing season, especially following Shimron Hetmyer’s poor run in IPL 2025.

Notably, Samson is currently on the Australia tour with the Indian cricket team. He was dropped from the playing XI after his flop show in the previous games. Jitesh Sharma was preferred in the third T20I that India won by five wickets against Australia in Melbourne.