Sanju Samson’s future with the Rajasthan Royals has become one of the biggest talking points of the IPL 2026 pre-season. The star wicketkeeper-batter, who has been with the franchise since 2013 and captained them since 2021, was at the centre of a high-profile trade discussion with the Delhi Capitals. However, what appeared to be a nearly finalized deal eventually collapsed due to what insiders described as an “unexpected and unrealistic demand” from Rajasthan at the final stage of negotiations.
Reports suggest that Delhi Capitals were very keen on signing Samson to strengthen their top order and add leadership depth to their squad. For Delhi, Samson’s consistent run-scoring ability—highlighted by his 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and strike rate of 153.47 in the 2024 season—made him an ideal fit. Both franchises reportedly held multiple rounds of talks, and the trade was said to be “90 percent done.” Delhi was even ready to part ways with South African batter Tristan Stubbs as part of the swap deal, indicating how close the move was to completion.
However, the situation changed dramatically when Rajasthan Royals made an additional, last-minute demand. The Royals insisted that Delhi not only trade Tristan Stubbs but also include uncapped Indian batter Sameer Rizvi in the deal. This condition was a major sticking point for the Capitals, who viewed Rizvi as a long-term investment and were unwilling to let him go. The demand reportedly caught Delhi management off guard, leading to their withdrawal from the talks. Sources close to the negotiations described Rajasthan’s move as an “unexpected twist” that effectively ended what could have been one of the biggest trades of the season.
Rajasthan Royals’ decision to push for an additional player likely stemmed from how highly they value Samson. The franchise had retained him for a reported ₹18 crore before the 2025 season, reflecting their belief in his importance both as a player and as a brand face. With the 2026 mega auction approaching, the Royals are believed to be planning a squad reshuffle that focuses more on all-rounders and young domestic talent. Including Rizvi in the deal would have aligned with that strategy, but the steep ask cost them the opportunity to finalize the trade with Delhi.
For Delhi Capitals, the breakdown of the deal means they will continue their search for a marquee Indian batter, though their decision not to compromise on Rizvi demonstrates a focus on sustainable team-building rather than short-term gains. For Rajasthan, the failed trade highlights both their ambition and their negotiating rigidity. While they still have Sanju Samson on their roster for now, the fact that they were open to parting ways with him signals that his long association with the franchise might be nearing its end.
In the aftermath of the collapsed deal, reports have linked Samson with another possible move—this time to the Chennai Super Kings. Rumours suggest CSK could explore a trade involving veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, or even younger players like Matheesha Pathirana or Sam Curran. For Samson, who has spent more than a decade with Rajasthan and has become synonymous with the team’s identity, a move could mark both a personal and professional reset.
The entire episode serves as a reminder of the complexities behind IPL trade negotiations. Player swaps are not merely about form or star power; they involve strategy, valuation, and long-term planning. In Samson’s case, a single additional demand turned what looked like a blockbuster transfer into a missed opportunity. Whether this saga ends with him donning new colors in 2026 or continuing to lead the Royals remains to be seen, but the “unexpected demand” that derailed his Delhi move has already become a defining off-season story in