The Indian Premier League (IPL) trade window has often been an under-utilized provision since its inception. Over the years, only a handful of memorable trades have taken place, with the majority falling apart. The concept of a “perfect trade” is practically non-existent, with one team almost always ending up on the inferior side of the deal.
This trend appears set to continue with a recent trade rumor involving the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Reports suggest that DC are interested in acquiring RR captain Sanju Samson and are willing to offer Tristan Stubbs in return. According to the Times of India, franchises are close to finalizing the swap ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction.
> “Sanju Samson and Tristan Stubbs are likely to be involved in the first big trade before the IPL auction later this year as both Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are getting close to finalizing the deal. With Samson clear on leaving the Royals, both DC and RR have been locked in negotiations and many tradable options were discussed along the way. It is reliably learnt that DC are keen to have Samson on board but were not willing to trade any of their core players,” the report stated.
While Samson’s arrival might seem like a strategic move for DC, trading out Tristan Stubbs in the process could prove to be a major blunder. Here are three reasons why.
### 1. Sanju Samson’s Multi-Dimensional Appeal Should Not Come at the Cost of a Generational Talent
From Delhi Capitals’ perspective, acquiring Sanju Samson means gaining a captain, a swashbuckling top-order batter, and a wicket-keeper—all rolled into one. These are exactly the areas where DC have struggled recently and need stability.
However, sacrificing a player like Tristan Stubbs in the process might do more harm than good. The South African has been one of DC’s most consistent performers over the past two seasons, operating in a challenging role across the middle order. Stubbs has demonstrated his potential both in franchise cricket and at the international level, proving himself as an explosive and versatile batter, a handy part-time bowler, and a brilliant fielder.
While Samson’s inclusion may solve several problems for DC, losing Stubbs could create new, possibly even more difficult challenges to overcome.
### 2. Missing Out on Tristan Stubbs’ Peak After a Brilliant Investment
DC made a shrewd move by securing Tristan Stubbs for just INR 50 Lakh in the 2024 IPL auction—a bargain that paid dividends soon after. In that season, Stubbs amassed 378 runs at an impressive average of 54 and a strike rate of 190.91.
The franchise continued to show faith in him by retaining Stubbs ahead of the mega auction, marking him as a core player in their long-term strategy. To then reconsider and trade him away just as he is entering his prime would be ill-advised.
Stubbs maintained his form in the IPL 2025 season as well, scoring 300 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 150.75. In addition, he has been in solid touch across international formats. At only 25 years old, he is nearing his peak, having laid a strong foundation early in his career and overcoming initial setbacks.
Letting go of Stubbs now—after investing time and resources into his development—may be a decision DC come to regret.
### 3. A Bigger Middle-Order Mess for DC Without Stubbs
Over the last two seasons, Stubbs has been an indispensable cog in DC’s middle order—a segment that has otherwise lacked stability. In 2024, he gelled well with Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel, while in the following season, he was promoted after Ashutosh Sharma joined the team as chief finisher.
Stubbs has arguably been the only consistent element in DC’s middle order. With KL Rahul expected to return to the top order, DC will require reinforcement in the middle, not further depletion.
While Samson could plug the gap in the top order caused by inconsistencies from Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk, trading Stubbs would leave DC without a reliable middle-order batter. Aside from Axar Patel, the team currently lacks a core middle-order presence, with existing batters like Sameer Rizvi and Karun Nair offering little assurance.
Considering the limited options in the upcoming auction, overhauling the middle order to replace Stubbs’ impact will be a daunting, if not impossible, task.
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In conclusion, while the allure of acquiring an experienced and dynamic captain like Sanju Samson is understandable, Delhi Capitals must weigh the potential consequences of parting ways with Tristan Stubbs. Trading away a promising, multi-talented player on the cusp of his prime could destabilize the squad and create more problems than it solves ahead of IPL 2026.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/3-reasons-dc-trading-tristan-stubbs-rr-ahead-ipl-2026-auction-blunder