Sanju Samson could join Delhi, but 'DC cannot leave Tristan Stubbs'– Ex-India player breaks down the big trade

Sanju Samson might be on the move ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, and it is creating plenty of speculation in the cricketing world. The Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batter, who commands a hefty ₹18 crore, has reportedly requested to be released by his current franchise. Teams like Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals are said to be monitoring the situation closely.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra broke down the possible scenarios on his YouTube channel. He said, "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."



Chopra explained how KKR could handle the finances. "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. However, other teams cannot do that so easily. Can Sanju Samson go towards CSK? There is a way to release money there as well. ₹18 crore can be released in a jiffy, but I don't know if that conversation is happening or not."

Also Read: IPL trade: RR, DC close to Sanju Samson, Tristan Stubbs swap; KKR press for KL Rahul

The former opener also touched on a possible trade involving Delhi Capitals’ Tristan Stubbs. "A slightly strong news that came in was that Sanju is going to Delhi and Tristan Stubbs is going from Delhi to Rajasthan. There will still be a deficit of ₹8 crore because Tristan is for ₹10 crore and Sanju is for ₹18 crore. However, will that happen?"

He further analysed Delhi’s perspective, saying, "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."

The potential transfer could benefit multiple teams. KKR and CSK would gain an experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter, with CSK also considering long-term succession planning for MS Dhoni. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals could strengthen their lower-middle order by bringing in Tristan Stubbs, especially after Shimron Hetmyer’s underwhelming performance in IPL 2025.

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