The biggest trade in IPL history that never happened, the unheard story of Sanju Samson and Delhi Capitals

News India Live, Digital Desk: In the world of IPL, as exciting as the games played on the field, the stories that happen outside the field also happen during the ‘trade window’. This is the story of one such deal, which had it been completed, might have seen Sanju Samson in the blue jersey of Delhi Capitals today. Yes, there was a time when the Delhi team had made full preparations to include Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and biggest star Sanju Samson in its team.

This happened before the IPL 2025 season, when all the teams were making their strategies for the next season. Delhi Capitals, who have always been on the lookout for a strong Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, had approached Rajasthan Royals to include Sanju Samson in their squad. The Delhi team was ready to go to any extent to bring Samson into their fold.

Then why couldn’t this big deal happen?

According to reports, Delhi Capitals had initially offered a player and some additional cash (Player + Cash Deal) to Rajasthan Royals, which RR flatly rejected. Rajasthan was in no mood to let its team’s biggest match-winner and captain go so easily.

After this, the counter demand made by Rajasthan Royals shocked Delhi Capitals.

In exchange of one Sanju, RR asked for 3 match-winners

Rajasthan Royals made it clear that if Delhi wants Sanju Samson, then they will have to give three of their best bowlers in return. Yes, RR from Delhi Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed And Mukesh Kumarmade a demand for all three players together.

This demand was no less than a shock for Delhi Capitals. These three bowlers are the backbone of Delhi’s bowling line-up and leaving them out together could spoil the entire balance of the team. Delhi found this deal too expensive and after much deliberation, it withdrew from the deal.

In this way, one of the biggest and exciting trade deals in IPL history almost happened. Sanju Samson remained the captain of Rajasthan Royals and is still the biggest face of the team. This story shows how much importance the teams in IPL give to their star players and are not ready to make any kind of compromise to retain them.