IPL 2026: Sanju Samson To Join Delhi Capitals, Tristan Stubbs To Rajasthan Royals. According to reports from the IPL 2026 season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson is expected to move to Delhi Capitals (DC), with Tristan Stubbs back the other way. Multiple reports suggest that the two franchises are in the final stages of negotiations to make the deal, with only final approvals from the IPL governing council remaining.
Samson has been at the forefront of the Rajasthan Royals since 2018. He is looking forward to a fresh challenge after seven seasons of leading the Jaipur-based franchise. This will signal a return to the franchise for Samson, as he played for them in 2016 and 2017. Delhi struggled with middle-order consistency last season. They viewed Samson as a marquee signing who could help shore up their batting core. He could offer options in the leadership capacity alongside KL Rahul and Axar Patel.
Stubbs adds firepower for Rajasthan
In return, Rajasthan is expected to receive the dynamic South African batter Tristan Stubbs, who has proven to be an explosive finisher during his time with Delhi. Stubbs had a commendable season with Delhi, making numerous appearances in the lower middle order and displaying impressive performances. Through Stubbs’ signing, Rajasthan can add additional firepower and flexibility to their overseas line-up, as they struggled with lower-order performance this past season (2025). He could just use a little more depth in power-hitting.
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Although neither team has officially confirmed it, the trade appears to be a win-win for both teams. Samson’s experience and consistency should help breathe new life into Delhi’s batting unit. Meanwhile, Stubbs’ raw hitting ability gives RR an entirely new attacking option on the batting front. If confirmed, this could be one of the biggest pre-auction trades in IPL history, signalling the start of a wildly entertaining IPL 2026 season.
