Sanju Samson to remain the Rajasthan Royals captain for IPL 2026?
The Indian Premier League follows a set window, scripting almost two months of thrilling T20 action. However, the chatter around other aspects of the world's biggest league runs year-round. Following the conclusion of IPL 2025, reports arose about Sanju Samson, the long-time Rajasthan Royals lead, leaving the franchise. Speculations suggested that five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, were on the lookout to trade the RR captain to their den during the mid-season trade window. However, months after the initial rumour, a contrary report has come to the fore.
Rajasthan Royals not ready to let go of Sanju Samson just yet
After Rajasthan Royals concluded their disappointing run in IPL 2025, sensational updates emerged from the camp. Rumours suggested that the RR captain, Sanju Samson could be on the move, with Chennai Super Kings reportedly eyeing him as a potential successor to MS Dhoni behind the stumps. Moreover, there was also chatter linking Samson to Kolkata Knight Riders, with some reports hinting that he might take over the captaincy role after the franchise’s underwhelming run in IPL 2025.
However, recent developments seem to have quashed those claims. As per a fresh update, Sanju Samson is expected to remain with Rajasthan Royals and lead the side in IPL 2026. A source close to the franchise informed the a leading daily that there are currently no plans to trade Samson or any other key player.
“RR have decided not to trade Samson or any of their players for now. Samson is very much a part of the Royals set-up and the undisputed captain of the team,” the source reported.
Samson has had a long-standing association with the Royals, having debuted for the franchise in 2013. The Kerala wicketkeeper batsman joined Delhi Daredevils for 2016 and 2017 season while the Royals completed their two-year suspension from the league. However, Samson returned after the team's ban was lifted and has been a central figure in the camp ever since. The wicketkeeper also led Rajasthan Royals to the IPL 2022 final, the team's first appearance in the ultimate fixture since 2008, when they won the IPL trophy in the inaugural season.
Meanwhile, IPL 2025 proved challenging for both Samson and Rajasthan Royals. The skipper was sidelined for the first three matches due to a finger injury, during which Riyan Parag stepped in as stand-in captain. Upon returning, Samson featured in just nine games, managing 285 runs with just a single half-century in the season. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, endured a tough campaign, finishing ninth in the standings.
