Mumbai: The IPL 2026 trade window is buzzing with blockbuster buzz, and at its heart is Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson, whose potential move to Delhi Capitals has cricket circles abuzz.
Reports suggest Samson, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, has informed RR management of his intent to seek pastures new for the upcoming season, either via trade or release into the auction pool. DC, reeling from Rishabh Pant’s exit to Lucknow Super Giants, sees Samson as the ideal captaincy and batting bolster.
Sources indicated the deal is gaining steam, with DC eyeing Samson to fix their middle-order woes. However, RR isn’t letting go lightly; the Pink Army values their talisman, retained at ₹18 crore for IPL 2025, and could demand a hefty swap. Speculation swirls around DC’s Mitchell Starc, the Aussie pacer who snared 17 wickets last season, or spinner Kuldeep Yadav, whose left-arm wizardry could shore up RR’s attack. KL Rahul, DC’s IPL 2025 run-machine with 539 runs at a blistering 150 strike rate, might even head the other way, drawing interest from Kolkata Knight Riders for a leadership reboot.
The hitch? DC remains undecided on the trade bait, stalling talks. IPL’s trade window, open a month post-season and closing a week before the December 13-15 mini-auction in Mumbai, allows player swaps or cash deals, but RR’s reluctance adds spice.
Samson’s reported conflict with RR brass after 2025 intensifies the speculation — will he choose to wear the Capitals’ blue or ignite a bidding war?
As franchises jostle, this saga promises IPL intrigue ahead of the 2026 opener.