Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals are reportedly in talks for the biggest player swap in IPL history. Two marquee players from both sides can be included in this exchange.
The IPL auction is scheduled for December, and the retention list is to be finalized in November, providing a window for any trades to be made. Cameron Green, on the other hand, has been cited as the star attraction of the mini-auction so far.
Some of the teams that have shown major interest in trades like CSK and KKR, and now two other franchises have emerged in the scheme of things. Delhi Capitals is expecting the return of its old player before the new season.
Is Sanju Samson all set to return to Delhi Capitals?
Sanju Samson had asked Rajasthan Royals to release him before the mini-auction, as he wanted to explore his options within other franchises. But with many teams coming into the race, the discussion about Sanju Samson has become more intense than expected.
Chennai Super Kings, who were initially the biggest bidders for the Samson trade, took a step back after the Royals demanded veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in return. However, there was no official confirmation regarding either the potential trade nor its ignoring.
Now, with only 2 weeks left for the player retention announcement, Abhishek Tripathi from Dainik Jagran reports that fresh trade talks have taken place between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals over a possible swap between their players.
A big IPL update
Exclusive – IPL’s biggest player trade swap likely to happen before the auction. pic.twitter.com/yN28F0gZ7C
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 31 October 2025
There could be a trade exchange for KL Rahul Samson; KKR rejected
Abhishek Tripathi’s tweet further revealed that the swap trade deal between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals will include former Royals captain Sanju Samson and KL Rahul, Capitals’ top scorer last season.
Experienced Indian opener Rahul was bought by Delhi Capitals in the mega-auction for Rs 14 crore. Rahul also lived up to his name, scoring over 500 runs with a century for the Capitals and displaying great versatility by batting at different positions in the batting order.
According to the latest revelations, a historic trade deal is about to happen ahead of the upcoming mini-auction, and Sanju Samson and KL Rahul being swapped is a big news in itself. Both the players have had great success in the IPL in the last few years.
Right now the only discussion has been about trading. There may be trading between Rahul and Sanju… nothing is completely confirmed yet.#IPL2026
-Abhishek Tripathi/Abhishek Tripathi (@abishereporter) 31 October 2025
Samson could be cited for captaincy roles for the Capitals
Delhi Capitals bought KL Rahul in the mega-auction, but the captaincy was handed over to their highest-paid player Akshar Patel. The Indian all-rounder did a fair job with his role and won a few games at the start of the tournament.
However, gradually the players’ form deteriorated and Akshar’s captaincy also deteriorated as they lost many close games. He himself did not perform very well with the ball as he went out of his way to protect his bowlers.
The Capitals missed out on a berth in the playoffs and hence will be aiming to revive their chances with a new captain. Sanju Samson could be the ideal man for the role, having led the Royals to two playoff appearances as well as the final in 2022.
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