Samson To KKR? IPL Homecomings That Could Benefit Teams In Trade And Auction

Samson and Dube [Source: @APTalksCricket, @emiwayxsan30292/X]

The IPL 2025 witnessed a string of enthralling contests, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeating Punjab Kings in a high-octane final and clinching their maiden title in the tournament. While RCB, PBKS, MI and GT finished as the top four sides, DC, SRH, KKR, LSG, RR and CSK suffered group-stage eliminations. 

Meanwhile, all teams have an issue or two, which they can resolve during the trade and auction by recalling some of their past heroes. As the trade window is open, here are some homecomings that can benefit several IPL franchises. 

Sanju Samson - KKR

How could Samson’s comeback strengthen KKR?

KKR's major shortcomings in IPL 2025: A vulnerable top order, Out-of-form keeper-batters

• A reliable top-order keeper-batter 
• A fantastic captaincy option

KKR had a forgettable 2025 season, finishing eighth on the points table. The failure of their opening pair was a major reason behind KKR’s group-stage exit. 

Despite being given ample opportunities, Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz couldn’t live up to the hype, managing 152 and 74 runs, respectively. Thus, KKR will surely be searching for a like-for-like replacement and Sanju Samson perfectly fits the bill. 

Apart from scoring quick runs at the top order, Sanju Samson can keep wickets with the utmost effectiveness. He also gives an able captaincy option, having led Rajasthan Royals to the final in 2022. 

As per the emerging reports, several franchises have shown interest in trading Samson from RR. So, the trade window is definitely an option. However, if the Royals release him, KKR should go after the Kerala batter in the mini auction. 

Rishabh Pant - DC

How could Pant’s comeback strengthen DC?

(Rishabh Pant's stats for DC)

DC's major shortcomings in IPL 2025: Inconsistent batting lineup, Tactical blunders

What Rishabh Pant can offer?

• An experienced batter as well as proven leader
• Has played plenty of cricket at Arun Jaitley Stadium, DC's home ground
• Home boy and hence a more suitable face for DC's brand

Rishabh Pant had a horrible IPL 2025 season, letting down LSG with a persistent lean patch. Considering his recent T20 form and injury woes, Pant’s IPL stock must've gone down. In such a scenario, it won’t be surprising if LSG releases him and tries to get him back at a lower price in the auction. 

If Pant enters the auction pool, Delhi Capitals should be one of the teams bidding for him. Their top-order has KL Rahul as the only reliable player; so, Rishabh Pant’s addition could definitely add a plethora of experience and strengthen their batting order. 

Axar Patel’s tactical shortcomings were evident, while Pant received applause for his on-field calls in pressure situations. Thus, he can also be an inspirational captain for DC in the 2026 edition. 

Rashid Khan - SRH

How could Rashid’s comeback strengthen SRH?

(Rashid Khan's stats for SRH)

SRH's major shortcoming in IPL 2025: Toothless bowling attack, under-cooked spin unit

What Rashid Khan can offer?

• An experienced spinner and handy lower order batter
• Proven performer at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, SRH's home venue

Gujarat Titans’ premier spinner Rashid Khan has had two consecutive poor seasons. Since 2024, Rashid has bagged 19 wickets across 27 innings at a mediocre average. So, there’s a possibility that GT could release him and free-up a budget of INR 18 Crores. 

In such a scenario, Rashid should be one of SRH’s prime targets. He was a prolific performer for the Orange Army and his recent decline could help them get him back at a significantly lower budget. 

Since releasing Rashid, the Sunrisers have struggled to form a threatening spin department. So, the Afghan spin maestro’s inclusion could help them fine-tune their attack ahead of the next season. 

David Miller - PBKS

How could Miller’s comeback strengthen PBKS?

(David Miller's stats for PBKS)

PBKS' major shortcoming in IPL 2025: Inexperienced lower middle order

What David Miller can offer?

• A veteran IPL finisher with excellent stats
• Familiar with PBKS management, magnificent fielder

Punjab Kings have a magnificent top four comprising Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis. However, they desperately need a reliable middle-order batter, apart from Shashank Singh, who can finish the innings on a high note. 

Thus, experienced batter David Miller could fulfil their quest. The South African has played 141 IPL matches, scoring 3077 runs at an average of 35.37 and a strike rate of 138.60. 

David Miller’s current IPL price is 7.5 Crores. However, he had a bad season with LSG, managing only 153 runs. So, if LSG decides to release him, PBKS can definitely go after the South African in the auction. 

Shivam Dube - RCB

How could Dube’s comeback strengthen RCB?

(Shivam Dube's stats in middle overs)

RCB's major shortcoming in IPL 2025: Slightly fragile upper middle order

What Shivam Dube can offer?

• Impactful player of medium pace and spin
• Gives LHB option to counter SLAs and right-arm leg spin
• Useful medium-pace bowling

Shivam Dube has been a magnificent enforcer in the middle overs. With Liam Livingstone struggling to find his form, RCB certainly wouldn’t mind getting Dube back in the mix. 

Being an excellent spin-hitter, Dube can take the pressure off Rajat Patidar, who seems to be RCB’s biggest weapon in the middle overs. His homecoming will ensure a quality left-hander in RCB’s upper middle order while also empowering them with an additional bowling option. 

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