Sanju Samson nears blockbuster trade to Delhi Capitals:CSK turn down request for Ravindra Jadeja, KKR pushing for KL Rahul ahead of IPL 2026 – Report

A major pre-auction shake-up is on the horizon for the Indian Premier League (IPL) as Sanju Samson and Tristan Stubbs are set to be part of the first big trade of the season. Sources close to the developments have confirmed that Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are close to finalising a swap deal involving the two players. Samson, who has reportedly made up his mind to leave RR, has been in discussions with multiple franchises over the past few months. After weeks of negotiation, Delhi Capitals have emerged as the front-runners to secure the Indian wicketkeeper-batter’s services. The trade, if confirmed, will see Stubbs move to Rajasthan Royals while Samson reunites with Delhi, the franchise he once represented in the early stages of his IPL career. According to reports, DC are eager to sign Samson but was not open to trading any of their key players. “Both teams have been locked in talks, and while several names were discussed, DC remained firm about not parting with their core group,” a source revealed. CSK says no to RR’s request for Jadeja While Rajasthan Royals are said to be satisfied with the idea of having South African batter Tristan Stubbs, they had initially requested another uncapped Indian player as part of the deal. However, Delhi Capitals declined that proposal, leading both teams to work out a direct one-for-one swap. In recent months, RR also explored other trade opportunities. It is understood that they even approached Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with a proposal to swap Samson for Ravindra Jadeja. However, those talks did not progress beyond the initial stages. As things stand, Samson’s move to DC and Stubbs’ transfer to RR appears to be the most likely outcome unless there is a late twist in the negotiations. Also read: Rohan Bopanna announces retirement from tennis: Two-time Grand Slam winner, aged 45 bids adieu to the sport, legend pens emotional post KKR eye KL Rahul as captaincy option Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are actively pursuing KL Rahul as their next captain and top-order batter. The strong bond between Rahul and KKR’s new head coach Abhishek Nayar has further fueled the franchise’s interest. However, a trade deal looks complicated as KKR lack suitable assets that could attract DC’s interest. While Andre Russell’s name has surfaced as a possible option, DC reportedly want to build a young core for the future. Rinku Singh and Varun Chakravarthy are considered valuable, but KKR are unlikely to release them. Also read: Shreyas Iyer discharged from Sydney Hospital, confirms BCCI:India ODI vice-captain to stay in Australia until deemed ‘fit to fly’ With Venkatesh Iyer’s poor form and the team’s interest in Cameron Green, KKR’s options are limited for now. But if the Samson–Stubbs swap is finalised, insiders believe KKR may step up their pursuit of Rahul in what could become another blockbuster IPL trade.