Why Sanju Samson-Tristan Stubbs trade came to a halt after almost getting finalised? Reason revealed!

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) were all set for a blockbuster trade before the retention deadline but it came to a sudden halt. Sanju Samson would’ve returned to DC whereas Tristan Stubbs would’ve found a new home at RR. However, RR wanted more and it led to the deal getting cancelled following RR restarting talks with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a swap. 

As per a report by TOI, RR were not just looking for a straight swap of Samson-Stubbs. Samson was retained for Rs 18 crore by RR whereas Stubbs was retained for Rs 10 crore by DC last year before the mega auction. RR wanted DC’s uncapped batter Sameer Rizvi to sweeten the deal. Rizvi was roped in for Rs 95 lakh by the Delhi-based franchise. 

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What did Rizvi do with limited chances at DC?

Earlier, Rizvi was part of CSK in IPL 2024. For DC, he got to play five games. From four innings, he scored 121 runs at an average of 40.33 and strike rate of 153.16. In DC's last league stage game against Punjab Kings (PBKS), he scored an unbeaten 58 off just 25 balls, laced with five sixes and three fours. DC chased down 207 with three balls to spare at Sawai Mansingh stadium, Jaipur, Royals' home, with Rizvi doing the finishing act. 

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DC's senior players knew about Samson-Stubbs trade

The report also claims that it was almost a done deal. Even DC's senior players, including their overseas stars knew about the high-profile trade. However, the negotiations came to an abrupt end with DC not willing to add Rizvi to the deal. 

CSK swoop in after DC fallout

Until and unless a DC-like situation arises, RR are likely to trade Samson for their former player Ravindra Jadeja and another player. Reportedly, RR had asked for addition of either Shivam Dube or Dewald Brevis to add firepower to their middle order. Both options were rejected by the five-time IPL-winning franchise. Later, they asked for Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana but it seems to have been rejected as well. It is highly likely that England’s pace-bowling all-rounder Sam Curran will be joining Jadeja to complete the transaction. Like RR did for Samson, CSK had retained Jadeja for Rs 18 crore. They roped in Curran for Rs 2.40 crore in the auction.