3 reasons why DC trading out Tristan Stubbs to RR ahead of IPL 2026 Auction would be a blunder

The IPL trade window has never been easy, a mixture of clever swaps, sentiment, and sometimes just some bad mistakes. If reports of Delhi Capitals (DC) potentially trading Tristan Stubbs to Rajasthan Royals (RR) for Sanju Samson are true, it seems like yet another risky move which could catch up with them at some stage.

A Times of India report has cited both franchises are nearing a deal and, according to reports, Samson is also very clear he will be leaving RR. The trade does indicate an excitement about the prospect of adding another brand-name player with leadership experience and elite opening-player capabilities, but sending Stubbs away would probably unravel much of the great work DC put in over the past two seasons.

The following outlines three reasons it would actually be a mistake for DC to trade Stubbs.

1. Samson's overall appeal shouldn't barb a generational talent

There is no doubt about Samson's appeal; he is a proven performer in the IPL, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, and an experienced leader--three things DC has not found consistency in. On the surface, Heath fits several of the franchise's needs at once.

The risk of that stability may be too high. Stubbs has been one of DC's most consistent performers since his arrival in the setup. In multiple formats, he has proven himself a worthy middle - order anchor, a death-hitting weapon and a reliable fielder. His adaptability, ability to accelerate, and balance make him a rare luxury in modern T20 cricket.

Stubbs is more than a finisher, he has now grown into a complete package. Trading him would leave DC open in areas they have been trying to strengthen for two full seasons.

2. DC would lose Stubbs’ prime after investing in his development

Delhi Capitals made a bold choice to pick up Tristan Stubbs from the 2024 auction for a mere ₹50 lakh. That enterprise paid paid dividends of ₹50 lakh for 378 runs at 54 average and nearly 191 strike rate in his first season. He followed it up with a brisk season in IPL 2025, with over 300 runs at a strike rate over 150.

Stubbs' consistent development shows DC's faith and development in him. He is 25 years old and at the start of the window where batters become consistent, powerful, and more mature in their game. To let him go just when he is primed for an explosion from your investments, is to let someone else reap the benefits of those long-term investments.

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In summary, Stubbs is the exact kind of player that every modern T20 franchise hopes to build their aspirations around, explosive, calm, and still growing.

3. DC's middle order could collapse without Stubbs

DC cannot afford to lose depth in the middle order – it’s been their most vulnerable area for two seasons now – but Stubbs has been the adhesive keeping that group together.

His partnerships with Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel in 2024 were bright spots in an otherwise up and down batting order. When Stubbs was pushed up the order in 2025, he transitioned seamlessly and showed his flexibility.

Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk are set at the top – and with KL Rahul likely back to opening, DC’s middle order is already looking shallow. If Stubbs isn't there, they are losing the only or most reliable bridge from the top order to finishers.

Sameer Rizvi and Karun Nair still haven’t proven they can play at that level, and it’s unlikely DC will find a like-for-like replacement for Stubbs at the mini auction.

Overall, should Sanju Samson be part of the deal, it would add greater depth to the top order and leadership group of Delhi Capitals, but it would cost them Tristan Stubbs, which could come back to jeopardize the whole batting order entirely. Stubbs is not just a guy who performs; he’s a guy who is on the verge of a breakthrough, he’s a player you want to build a franchise around, not trade away. 

If this trade goes through, DC may have just handed RR even more depth to their middle order, and that would be a mistake that DC may not live down for seasons.