Sanju Samson leaving Rajasthan Royals: A failed Ravi Jadeja swap means Tristan Stubbs trade is happening?

Sanju Samson is rumoured to end his over a decade-long association with Rajasthan Royals before the upcoming season. While Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were said to be the frontrunners to get the experienced wicketkeeper's signature, fresh reports suggest that a new deal is now possible.

Given that he was one of the retained players ahead of the 2025 mega auction, he is contractually bound to the franchise till 2027. However, the IPL rules do have a facility to dictate terms when a player wants to leave the franchise earlier than stipulated. This, of course, is complicated territory and remains to be seen as to how RR deal with it.

Samson back to Delhi?

 

According to reports, captain Sanju Samson was unhappy with RR's decision to part ways with Jos Buttler. The England international's departure ultimately led to Samson making up his mind about his IPL future. Multiple reports claim that the T20 World Cup winner has requested the Royals management to either involve him in a swap deal or permit him to take part in the mini auction.

 

Meanwhile, a fresh report has emerged, declaring Delhi Capitals (DC) as a possible destination for Sanju Samson, as the JSW- and GMR-co-owned side is ready for a player swap with RR. The team is willing to hand Royals any player in their squad for Samson, the report said.

 

The discussions are in an advanced stage after Rajasthan Royals have set their eyes on DC's South African batter Tristan Stubbs, the Times of India (TOI) said in a report. While RR loves their captain, his decision to leave the team means they have come to the conclusion that Samson can leave if Stubbs arrives along with one of his uncapped DC teammates. The report, however, didn't reveal who this player was.

 

CSK wanted Samson but RR demanding veteran Ravindra Jadeja in exchange for the wicketkeeper resulted in the collapse of the talks, the daily claimed. The 31-year-old Sanju Samson was part of the Delhi team for the 2016–2017 season. However, the team was then called the Delhi Daredevils before the 2019 franchise rebranding rechristened the side as Delhi Capitals.

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