Recent reports have cast a shadow over Sanju Samson’s long-standing association with the Rajasthan Royals, with strong rumours emerging that the captain has formally requested a trade or release ahead of the IPL 2026 season. This comes despite his historical connection and significant contributions to the franchise, prompting widespread speculation about his future and the underlying reasons for his alleged desire to move on.
A Decade-Long Partnership and Captaincy Stint
Sanju Samson has been an integral part of the Rajasthan Royals setup for nearly a decade, starting his IPL journey with the franchise in 2013 as an 18-year-old prodigy. Except for a two-season hiatus when RR was suspended, Samson has been a consistent performer and eventually took over the captaincy in 2021.
He has become the Royals’ most capped player and their all-time leading run-scorer, leading them to the IPL 2022 final and a playoff berth in 2024. His journey with the Royals has been marked by strong individual performances, including three IPL centuries, and a deep emotional connection often highlighted by his public statements.
Batting Position and Young Talent
While Samson has previously expressed deep affection for the Royals, recent reports suggest a growing rift between him and the management. One of the primary reasons cited is his preferred batting position. Samson has a strong desire to open the innings, a role he often plays for the Indian T20I team. However, with the emergence of young Indian talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who have formed a successful opening partnership, Samson has reportedly been demoted to number three. This shift in batting order, along with the rising prominence of other young players like Dhruv Jurel, is believed to be a significant point of contention.
Trade Requests and Franchise Dilemma
Reports indicate that Samson has formally communicated his desire to explore opportunities with other franchises. This has put the Rajasthan Royals in a difficult position. Despite having Samson under contract until 2027 and retaining him for a substantial amount, the franchise faces the dilemma of retaining an unhappy player, which could potentially disrupt team harmony, or letting go of a homegrown star. While the Royals initially stated they were not willing to directly trade players, the situation has evolved, and they are reportedly exploring trade options.
Potential Destinations and The Road Ahead
Several franchises, most notably Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), have shown interest in acquiring Samson’s services. CSK reportedly sees him as a long-term replacement for MS Dhoni, while KKR is in need of an Indian wicketkeeper-batter and a potential captain. However, trade talks have reportedly stalled due to various factors, including the hefty price tag associated with Samson and other teams’ reluctance to release marquee players.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Sanju Samson’s future. The saga highlights the complex dynamics of player loyalty, team strategy, and the high stakes involved in IPL team compositions. Whether Samson remains a Royal or embarks on a new chapter, his decision will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about movements in the upcoming IPL trade window.
