Delhi Capitals eye Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026 retention deadline

Delhi Capitals have stepped up efforts to acquire Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline, with trade discussions and roster planning intensifying across franchises as the expected December auction window approaches. The talks, which gained momentum in October and November, center on a possible Samson move to Delhi and parallel interest from Kolkata Knight Riders in Delhi's KL Rahul, creating a potential multi-team reshuffle before the November 15 retention cutoff.

Samson, 30, is reported to have requested a release from Rajasthan after an injury-limited 2025 campaign and amid an organizational restructure at the Royals. He was retained last year for 18 crore. Delhi is said to be targeting Samson for a leading batting and wicketkeeping role and is reportedly discussing options to make room for him under their salary cap. Rajasthan finished ninth in 2025 and faces pressure to rebuild; trading Samson would free significant funds and require the Royals to identify new leadership and middle-order stability.

KL Rahul, who produced 539 runs for Delhi in IPL 2025 at a strike rate near 150, has been linked with interest from Kolkata. KKR are...