Samson makes formal request to leave Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson, one of the most recognizable faces of Rajasthan Royals for over a decade, has formally asked the franchise to either trade him to another team or release him into the auction pool ahead of the 2026 IPL season, according to multiple reports.
This marks a significant shift in what has been a long-standing association between the franchise and Samson, who has captained the team since 2021 and led them to the IPL final in 2022. ESPNcricinfo reported that Samson informed the Royals of his decision immediately after the conclusion of IPL 2025.
Despite the formal request, Rajasthan Royals have not yet responded with a definitive stance. The final decision will reportedly be made by RR’s ownership in consultation with head coach Rahul Dravid.
Serious rift with management and changing team dynamics
The reported fallout is not just about performance or results — it’s deeply rooted in what sources describe as “serious differences” between Samson and the Royals management. These issues appear to have simmered for some time, and multiple reports indicate that members of Samson’s family and close associates have openly acknowledged that he no longer wishes to continue with the franchise.
Frustration reportedly grew during the 2025 IPL season, where Samson missed several matches due to a side strain and was replaced by Riyan Parag as captain. In his absence, young opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi emerged as a key player at the top of the order alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal — a combination that may have contributed to Samson being pushed away from his preferred role as opener.
Contractual roadblocks and franchise control
Despite Samson’s request, the final say lies with Rajasthan Royals under IPL’s current contractual rules. Players retained in the mega auction are contractually bound to their franchises for three years, unless the team opts to trade or release them.
This leaves the Royals with a strategic decision: retain a disgruntled captain or look for a suitable trade — a complex task given Samson’s stature and valuation. He was retained for INR 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction and is considered a marquee player in the league.
As one source told The Times of India, “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.”
CSK interest, but no clear trade pathway
Among the teams reportedly exploring options, Chennai Super Kings are said to have shown interest in acquiring Samson. However, CSK’s internal policies complicate the matter.
According to Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings have shown interest in acquiring Samson, but a trade appears unlikely as the franchise reportedly follows a policy of not releasing players. Given Samson’s ₹18-crore valuation, an all-cash, one-way trade is considered unrealistic by the Rajasthan Royals management.
Other franchises have also reportedly been approached, including those already equipped with established wicketkeeper-batters. Yet, none have offered a trade that Rajasthan Royals deem suitable for a player of Samson’s value, experience, and leadership profile.
What’s next for Samson and the Royals?
Samson remains under contract with RR until the end of the 2027 IPL cycle. The franchise has until November — the expected retention deadline — to make a final decision. Until then, negotiations may continue behind the scenes.
Currently, Samson is training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is expected to feature in the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE. He was also picked by Kochi Blue Tigers for INR 26.8 lakh in the Kerala Cricket League, making him the most expensive player in that tournament.
Whether RR choose to convince their captain to stay or part ways amicably, the franchise faces a high-stakes decision that could reshape their identity — and potentially the IPL player market — heading into 2026.
