India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was reportedly close to making a sensational switch to his former franchise Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the upcoming
IPL 2026 mini-auction, but the move eventually fell through due to Rajasthan Royals' (RR) last-minute demand.
According to a report by Times of India, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals had nearly finalised a player swap deal that would have seen Samson return to DC in exchange for Tristan Stubbs, the South African wicketkeeper-batter. However, talks collapsed after RR insisted on including uncapped batter Sameer Rizvi as part of the exchange - a proposal that DC flatly rejected.
DC reportedly value Rizvi highly for his explosive batting potential and long-term prospects, which made them unwilling to part ways with him. As a result, the negotiations came to a standstill, ending Samson's potential homecoming to the franchise where he started his IPL journey.
While the Delhi trade did not materialise, Samson's future with Rajasthan Royals remains uncertain. Multiple reports suggest that the RR skipper has expressed his desire to leave the franchise, marking the possible end of his seven-year association with the former IPL champions.
Rajasthan, meanwhile, are now said to be in active discussions with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for another high-profile trade. As per Cricbuzz, RR are exploring a swap deal involving Ravindra Jadeja, but have also demanded young South African star Dewald Brevis as part of the package - a move that could complicate the negotiations.
Brevis, who joined CSK midway through IPL 2025 as an injury replacement, impressed with 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180, earning praise for his fearless batting. However, CSK are reluctant to include both players in a single deal, with owner Manoj Badale reportedly leading the discussions from RR's side.
Samson's growing differences with RR reportedly stem from the team's controversial decision to release Jos Buttler ahead of last year's mega auction - a move the captain was said to be unhappy about. The standoff now puts one of IPL's biggest names at the centre of a dramatic pre-auction storyline.
