IPL 2026 trade: Sanju Samson in DC's target; 4 players RR might demand in return

Debashis Sarangi

RR can ask for Starc in Samson's exchange [Source: AFP]RR can ask for Starc in Samson's exchange [Source: AFP]

According to emerging reports, Delhi Capitals are keen to have Sanju Samson on board for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. As reported by Gaurav Gupta from TOI, the Capitals are looking to address their batting flaws by securing the services of Samson, who is apparently interested in shifting his base from Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 season of the tournament. 

DC unsure of which player to trade; RR to target a big fish

The same report provided key insights into DC's interests, revealing that the Capitals are unsure of which player to trade with the Royals. While the addition of Sanju Samson to their setup can certainly boost DC's batting unit, RR will get the right to demand a player of similar stature if the Capitals approach him for the deal. 

Considering Sanju Samson is an integral member of their setup, the Royals won't likely settle for a comparatively less established name in the Kerala batter's exchange. In such a scenario, let's analyse and figure out which players the Royals might demand from DC in Samson's exchange. 

1. Mitchell Starc (current IPL price- 11.75 Cr)

Why RR could ask DC to give Mitchell Starc in Samson's return

  • Rajasthan Royals were let down by their pace bowling department in the IPL 2025. Statistically, RR pacers registered the worst bowling average (44.55) and strike rate (25.5) among all teams while conceding runs at a rate of 10.45. 
  • Thus, RR should ideally look to target DC's premier pacer Mitchell Starc, who can lead their fast bowling department in the IPL 2026. Starc played a pivotal role in KKR's 2024 IPL win, scalping 17 wickets, before emerging as DC's most successful pacer in the 2025 edition of the competition. So, if the Royals genuinely want to revamp their bowling unit, Starc should be one of their prime targets in Sanju Samson's exchange. 

2. Tristan Stubbs (current IPL price- 10 Cr)

Why RR could ask DC to give Tristan Stubbs in Samson's return

  • While Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi were phenomenal at the top order for RR, the Royals had some issues in their middle order. RR's middle-order batters (4-7) had the sixth-worst average among all teams in the IPL 2025. 
  • So, while Suryavanshi and Jaiswal provide the firepower, RR need someone to stabilise their middle-order. Shimron Hetmyer, their best bet, has failed to do so, averaging just 22 across two seasons. So, chances are high that he might not make it into RR's retention list, especially given the fact that his release will add INR 11 Crores to the Royals' auction purse. 
  • Therefore, if Hetmyer is not in RR's IPL 2026 plans, they can utilise Samson's trade as a golden opportunity to rope in Tristan Stubbs from DC. The swashbuckling South African can further add depth to their batting unit, having slammed 705 IPL runs at a magnificent average of 41.47 and a strike rate of 163.19. More importantly, his ability to play according to the situation and switch gears at will makes him a definite upgrade over Hetmyer, who mostly plays the aggressor's role in the shortest format. 

3. Kuldeep Yadav (current IPL price- 13.25 Cr)

Kuldeep Yadav can solve RR's spin woes [Source: AFP]Kuldeep Yadav can solve RR's spin woes [Source: AFP]

Why RR could ask DC to give Kuldeep Yadav in Samson's return

Teams
Wickets
Average/SR
Economy
CSK4125.12/17.58.59
KKR3624.91/19.17.80
LSG3235/229.53
PBKS3224.56/15.99.26
DC3133.70/24.38.29
GT3133.25/21.19.42
MI3023.96/17.38.31
RR2738.11/24.69.27
RCB2733.22/23.38.54
SRH1547.33/28.410.00

(Performance of spinners of all teams in IPL 2025)

  • The aforementioned stats suggest how miserable RR spinners were in the IPL 2025. While they took more than four overs to scalp a wicket, the Royals' spinners conceded over 38 runs per dismissal, registering the second-worst average among all teams. 
  • These numbers suggest that there's plenty of work that needs to be done in their spin bowling department; so, DC's lead spinner Kuldeep Yadav could be one of their prime targets if the Capitals approach them to rope in Sanju Samson. 
  • Kuldeep is undoubtedly India's best spinner at present and has showcased his mettle in the IPL as well. The left-arm wrist spinner, who scalped 15 wickets at a superb economy of 7.08, has exhibited excellent form in recent times in the Indian jersey. So, considering his overall IPL returns and recent form, Kuldeep can be a solid option for RR to boost their spin unit for the 2026 season. 

4. Axar Patel (current IPL price- 16.50 Cr)

Why RR could ask DC to give Axar Patel in Samson's return

  • Although Rajasthan Royals benefited from Jaiswal and Suryavanshi's fireworks, they desperately missed an all-rounder who could bring balance to their side by contributing with both bat and ball. 
  • Their experimentation with Wanindu Hasaranga didn't bring desired results, as the Sri Lankan spin all-rounder's injury and worrisome batting form emerged as a massive concern for the inaugural IPL champions. 
  • Hasaranga missed three matches due to fitness concerns, while managing just nine runs across five innings. Although he bagged eleven wickets in as many games, his failure with the bat meant RR had to alter their strategy for the sake of team balance. 
  • Therefore, Hasaranga, who was purchased for INR 5.25 Crores, could be in RR's potential release list. If he goes out, the Royals could rope in Axar Patel as an upgrade over him to replace the Lankan star as the bowling all-rounder. 
  • Besides bagging 128 wickets, Axar has scored 1916 runs in the IPL. More importantly, his ability to bat up the order is a huge advantage that RR must look to capitalise on by signing him for the 2026 IPL edition.