Badrinath points to Parag as catalyst for potential exit
Former India cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath believes a leadership shift inside Rajasthan Royals may be the driving force behind Sanju Samson’s reported desire to leave the franchise before the IPL 2026 auction.
“I feel Riyan Parag is the reason. If you consider him for captaincy, how do you expect someone like Samson to stay?” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Multiple reports have suggested Samson has asked Royals management to release him, with Chennai Super Kings emerging as a possible destination. Parag, who stood in as captain for the first three matches of IPL 2025 while Samson was injured, is understood to be a leading candidate for a long-term leadership role at the franchise.
Injuries, emerging talent, and shifting dynamics at RR
Samson’s 2025 season began with limited involvement, first as an impact substitute due to National Cricket Academy wicketkeeping restrictions, and later as captain after recovering from a side strain. Parag twice stepped in to lead the side during those absences.
The Royals’ campaign also saw the rise of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored the fastest century by an Indian in the tournament, forging a successful opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal. That success has intensified competition for top-order batting spots, further complicating Samson’s role.
CSK’s interest — and the challenges ahead
While Samson is viewed by some as a natural successor to MS Dhoni, Badrinath questioned whether Chennai Super Kings could accommodate him in their XI.
“If Sanju Samson does come to CSK, then he could be the like-for-like replacement for MS Dhoni. Samson is a batter who can bat in the top three or four spots in the batting order. He is not someone who could fit in the number five or six spot in the playing XI. CSK are strong in those areas of the playing XI. Mhatre is settled, Gaikwad is settled, Brevis is settled,” Badrinath said.
“I am not sure if CSK would do a transaction like MI did to get Hardik Pandya from GT. So even if Sanju Samson comes in, the question remains whether CSK can fit him into the playing XI,” he added.
Captaincy succession complicates the equation
Beyond batting order considerations, Badrinath noted that Chennai’s leadership plans may also limit Samson’s prospects of taking charge at the franchise.
“The other aspect to consider is captaincy. Whether MS Dhoni leads or not, Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain. He’s led only for one season. If you give the captaincy to Samson, how would Gaikwad feel about that? That is something we need to consider. I think keeping all these things in mind, CSK are still thinking of whether or not to go ahead,” Badrinath concluded.
Decision looming before IPL 2026 auction
With Rajasthan Royals weighing their options and CSK evaluating both lineup fit and leadership balance, Samson’s future remains unresolved. Whether he stays in Jaipur or makes a blockbuster move to Chennai, the decision will have significant implications for two of the IPL’s most high-profile franchises heading into the 2026 season.
