'Wantaway' Sanju Samson, who reportedly wishes to move away from Rajasthan Royals is now on Delhi Capitals' radar. However, RR's coaching staff has undergone a massive overhaul, but may be that won't be enough to stop Samson from moving to other franchise, provide the former IPL champions let him loose. Reports are doing rounds that Samson formally requested RR to release him before the next season's auction. While there was earlier speculation regarding an interest from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), but it didn't materialise.
After CSK and KKR, DC eye Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026
The focus of the transfer speculation has now shifted to the Delhi Capitals (DC). According to a report by The Times of India, DC and RR are reportedly close to finalising a trade deal. This move would see Samson return to the Delhi-based franchise, where he played earlier in his career, while Tristan Stubbs would transition from DC to RR for the 2026 season.
The report further noted that while KL Rahul's name was also discussed in potential trade negotiations, DC ultimately prioritised retaining their core squad. Rahul, who joined DC in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, had a successful season, scoring 539 runs in 13 matches, the highest aggregate for the franchise that year. Despite his performance, DC's focus seems to be on securing a different strategic asset like Samson.
Imbroglio around Sanju Samson
If Sanju Samson's reported move to the Delhi Capitals materialises, he will join an elite list of high-profile players who were traded while serving as captain. Samson took over the leadership role for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) before the IPL 2021 season. His tenure was marked by success, as he notably guided RR to the final of the IPL 2022 tournament, where they ultimately fell to the debutant Gujarat Titans. Despite this strong run, he has yet to secure an IPL trophy as a captain.
Samson's career with RR began when he was a little-known talent, signed before the IPL 2013 season after impressing the franchise's mentor, Rahul Dravid. His immediate impact in the T20 league earned him his maiden India call-up following IPL 2014, leading to his international debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe in 2015. After a brief period away, he returned to the Royals during the IPL 2018 mega-auction and has been with the team ever since, eventually replacing Steve Smith as captain in 2021.
Statistically, Samson has been a cornerstone for the franchise, amassing 4,027 runs in 149 IPL matches for RR. He holds the unique distinction of being the only batsman to score more than 3,500 runs for the Rajasthan-based franchise. Furthermore, under his captaincy, RR maintained a balanced record, securing 33 wins against 32 defeats across 67 matches.