Rajasthan Royals holds immense significance for Sanju Samson
In the bustling world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), speculation is rife about the future of star batsman Sanju Samson. After captaining the Rajasthan Royals (RR) since 2021, reports suggest that Samson may be on the move for the 2026 season.
Samson, who began his IPL career with the Rajasthan Royals in 2013, has been a cornerstone of the franchise, emerging as its face and contributing over 4,000 runs in 144 matches. Under his leadership, the team came close to winning their second IPL title in 2022.
If Samson were to depart, two teams appear most interested in acquiring him: the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
KKR, reportedly the frontrunners, have offered two promising domestic players, Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep Singh, as part of a trade deal for Samson. However, these players may not fully address RR’s team needs, so KKR may also have to include a significant cash component to meet Samson's valuation of around Rs 18 crore. Negotiations are in advanced stages but have not yet been finalized.
CSK has also been linked as a potential destination for Samson. RR reportedly approached CSK with a trade offer involving star players like Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ravindra Jadeja in exchange for Samson, but CSK has declined these proposals, making this option less likely at present.
Other teams like Delhi Capitals (DC) have been mentioned as potential bidders, but there is less concrete information on active negotiations there.
Samson has expressed his gratitude to the Rajasthan Royals for their role in his career, calling them like family. He credits Rahul Dravid and Manoj Badale for giving him a chance and shaping his career when he was a young player.
The specifics of any team change, including final trades or auction outcomes, will depend on ongoing negotiation dynamics and RR’s valuation demands which may affect teams’ willingness to meet them.
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, the cricket world awaits the outcome of these negotiations. If Samson does leave the Rajasthan Royals, he is expected to play a key role in his new team's success.
Meanwhile, Samson is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will be held in the T20 format. His regular inclusion in India's T20I setup is a testament to his talent and consistency.
Regardless of where his IPL journey takes him, Samson's time with the Rajasthan Royals has provided him with priceless memories and experiences. He has become a crucial part of the franchise's history, and his departure would undoubtedly leave a void.
In summary, the most probable scenario for 2026 is that Sanju Samson leaves the Rajasthan Royals, with Kolkata Knight Riders currently the leading candidate to sign him. However, the deal’s completion hinges on negotiations around player exchanges and cash amounts. Chennai Super Kings remain a less likely but possible destination depending on future developments.
The news of Sanju Samson potentially leaving the Rajasthan Royals has sparked interest among other teams, particularly the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Chennai Super Kings. While the Kolkata Knight Riders have proposed trading Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep Singh for Samson, the deal's completion hinges on negotiations around player exchanges and cash amounts. On the other hand, the Chennai Super Kings remain a less likely but possible destination for Samson, depending on future developments.
