The buzz is growing louder in the IPL grapevine. Sanju Samson trade to DC might just be the blockbuster move of the 2026 season. With Delhi Capitals keen on adding some serious firepower to their squad, the idea of Samson switching camps has everyone talking. But with no official confirmation yet and both teams staying tight-lipped, the big question is: if this trade happens, who’s heading the other way? Let’s dive into the potential exchange players in IPL 2026, and explore which DC 2026 trade players might be up for grabs.

Why Delhi Wants Sanju Samson So Badly?

Delhi Capitals have had a bit of an identity crisis lately. Their batting’s been inconsistent, and the captaincy baton has been passed around like a game of hot potato. Enter Sanju Samson, calm, classy, and a natural leader. He’s not only a top-order dynamo but also someone who can marshal the troops with confidence. A Sanju Samson trade to DC solves two problems in one go: solidifying their middle order and finally giving them a stable captain.

Related Article：Sanju Samson to DC Rumours Heat Up – What’s Holding It Back?

Who Might Be Heading the Other Way?

Of course, landing a player like Samson won’t come cheap. Rajasthan Royals know his worth, and they’re unlikely to settle for anything less than a high-profile name—or two. That puts Delhi in a bit of a pickle: they want their man, but choosing who to offer in return is where things get tricky. Let’s have a look at the players who could realistically be part of the Sanju Samson trade to DC, and why they might appeal to the Royals.

Mitchell Starc

The Royals had a nightmare with their pace unit in 2025. Leaky, inconsistent, and frankly, ineffective. That’s where Mitchell Starc comes into the picture. If DC are serious about the Sanju Samson trade to DC, RR could easily demand Starc as part of the deal. He’s no stranger to carrying a bowling attack on his shoulders, and his IPL track record speaks volumes especially after his standout season with KKR in 2024 and continued brilliance with Delhi in 2025.

Mitchell Starc’s Bowling in IPL 2025

The Aussie pacer is also one of the most high-profile names in the league. As far as DC 2026 trade players go, Starc would be a massive offering. If RR are eyeing a quick fix for their bowling woes, this one’s a no-brainer.

Axar Patel

One of Rajasthan’s biggest headaches last season was the lack of a dependable all-rounder. Wanindu Hasaranga didn’t quite live up to the billing誒too many injuries, not enough runs. Cue Axar Patel, a player who ticks almost every box.

Axar Patel’s Batting in IPL 2025

With his ability to score runs in the lower-middle order, bowl tight overs, and field like a panther, Axar could be the glue RR desperately need. It’s not hard to imagine the Royals asking for him in return for Samson. After all, he’s one of the most valuable DC 2026 trade players, commanding a hefty fee, but worth every rupee. If this Sanju Samson trade to DC goes ahead, Axar’s name will almost certainly be on RR’s wishlist.

Kuldeep Yadav

Let’s not sugar-coat it, RR’s spinners were all over the place in 2025. High averages, poor strike rates, and very little bite in the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav, however, was a shining light for DC. With 15 wickets at a tidy economy, he’s currently one of India’s best in the business.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Bowling in IPL 2025

For a team like Rajasthan, who desperately need someone to anchor their spin attack, Kuldeep could be the perfect fit. He’s got international pedigree, IPL experience, and the kind of form that selectors dream of. If Delhi is to tempt the Royals into a Sanju Samson trade to DC, including Kuldeep in the deal could be just the ticket. Among the pool of potential exchange players in IPL 2026, he’s one of the most tactically valuable.

Tristan Stubbs

While Samson leaving would leave a hole in RR’s leadership, his middle-order spot is just as important. That’s where someone like Tristan Stubbs becomes a real asset. The South African youngster has quietly built a strong IPL résumé over 700 runs at an explosive strike rate, and the temperament to adapt to different match situations.

Tristan Stubbs’s Batting in IPL 2025

Given RR’s struggles in the middle order, especially with Hetmyer out of sorts, Stubbs could be seen as a like-for-like replacement with added long-term potential. He’s got flair, power, and composure, all things that Samson brought to the table. If RR push for Stubbs in this Sanju Samson trade to DC, it would be a savvy move for their future planning. Among the DC 2026 trade players, Stubbs might not be the flashiest, but he could prove to be the most strategic.

RR Will Want Quality, Not Quantity

Rajasthan Royals aren’t going to let Sanju Samson go for a bargain. He’s not just their captain, but also the face of the franchise. Any trade will need to be top-heavy, and Delhi knows it. Whether it’s pace in Starc, spin in Kuldeep, balance in Axar, or youth in Stubbs, the potential exchange players in IPL 2026 all bring something RR are currently lacking.

Conclusion

At the moment, everything is still in the rumour zone. No official statement has been released from either camp, and with the IPL 2026 retention window and auction dates looming in November, it’s all just speculation for now. If it’s true, Sanju Samson trade to DC could reshape both teams in major ways.

🚨 DC IS INTERESTED IN SAMSON 🚨

Delhi Capitals are keen on getting Sanju Samson but they aren’t sure on which player they can trade with Rajasthan Royals. [Gaurav Gupta from TOI]

KL Rahul to KKR rumours are still strong – they really see Rahul as their solution for Captain,… pic.twitter.com/ukkAvu2wD7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 15, 2025

So, as we sip our chai and scroll through the endless Twitter/X threads, we’ll keep our eyes peeled. If this trade does happen, it might just be the most talked-about swap of the season. And whichever way it swings, the list of potential DC 2026 trade players will give fans plenty to debate about over the coming weeks.