Sanju Samson seeking an exit from Rajasthan Royals: Reports
Just a day after reports emerged suggesting at the reluctance of Rajasthan Royals to trade their captain, new updates have shared contrasting information. While the RR management is not looking to let go of Sanju Samson, the skipper himself wants to exit the team. Samson has reportedly expressed a desire to part ways with the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, requesting either a release or a trade. While Samson seems clear in his demand, the request has pushed the franchise in a muddle.
Sanju Samson explores trade options, makes his intention to leave Rajasthan Royals clear
As per a recent report, the strain between Sanju Samson and Rajasthan Royals has grown significantly over time. Sources close to the cricketer’s family revealed that the wicketkeeper batsman is no longer keen on continuing his association with the franchise. Moreover, friends and fellow players, both from the IPL and the international circuit, have also hinted that the bond between Samson and the Royals has soured and is far from what it once was.
One key issue believed to be fueling the tension is the franchise’s hesitance to accommodate Samson’s preferred batting position. Known for opening the innings in T20s, including for the Indian team, Samson was pushed down the order last season after RR promoted Vaibhav Suryavanshi alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo struck up a fruitful partnership at the top, making it tactically tricky to revert the change. That said, the report suggests that this dispute over batting order may only be part of a larger rift.
Although Samson has formally asked to be released or traded, Rajasthan Royals still hold the final say. The wicketkeeper is under contract until 2027, meaning any decision to let him go is entirely at the franchise's discretion. This leaves the team with a tough choice, retain a disgruntled player at the risk of unsettling the team environment or part ways with the player they have groomed over the years into a captain.
According to the report, the Royals have initiated trade talks and contacted several franchises. While there has been some interest, none of the offers on the table have matched RR’s expectations. Among the franchises monitoring the situation closely is Chennai Super Kings. With MS Dhoni nearing the end of his illustrious IPL career, CSK reportedly sees Samson as a potential successor behind the stumps. However, negotiations appear to have hit a roadblock. CSK is unwilling to trade any of their key players, and RR, on their part, are not entertaining a cash-only deal for a player valued as high as ₹18 crore.
