Rajasthan Royals player, Sanju Samson, reportedly expresses desire to part ways with the team prior to the IPL 2026 season.
In the world of cricket, speculation is rife about the future of Sanju Samson with the Rajasthan Royals (RR). After a challenging 2025 season marked by injuries and team underperformance, Samson has reportedly requested a trade or release ahead of IPL 2026.
Samson, who has been a pivotal figure at RR for nearly a decade, first represented the franchise between 2013 and 2015. Under his leadership, the Royals reached the IPL final in 2022, their first since their title-winning campaign in 2008. However, the 2023 season saw a dip in performance, with RR finishing ninth with just four wins.
The potential exit of Samson comes amidst internal dynamics, including the rising captaincy role of Riyan Parag and rumoured tensions within the team. During Samson's absences, Parag served as stand-in captain, which is believed to be a factor in Samson's desire to leave. The young talent like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and a stable opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryavanshi have also raised questions about Samson's role going forward.
Despite the strained relations, Samson has expressed gratitude towards RR for providing him with a platform from a young age and emphasized the significant impact the franchise has had on his career. The franchise’s retention decisions before IPL 2025 showed a commitment to Samson (retained for Rs 18 crore), indicating his value, but these decisions also involved releasing other key players, adding to the team's evolving dynamics.
If released, RR can either trade Samson to another team or release him into the auction pool. The final decision on Samson's future with the franchise will be made by Manoj Badale and Rahul Dravid. The Royals have not yet provided a response to Samson's request.
For Samson, moving to a new team poses challenges in fitting into an established batting order, yet it could provide a fresh start after an inconsistent season. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are considered a potential new destination for him.
In summary, Sanju Samson's future with RR is uncertain, with internal dynamics and team performance playing a significant role in his decision to seek a trade or release. The impact of his departure would be considerable, as he is the team's captain and a key player. The Royals will need to find a way to fill the void left by Samson, whether through emerging players or new leadership roles. This situation remains fluid as all parties discuss the specifics ahead of IPL 2026.
[1] ESPNcricinfo. (2022, October 15). Sanju Samson signs three-year deal with Rajasthan Royals. https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/story/_/id/31297639/sanju-samson-signs-three-year-deal-rajasthan-royals
[2] Cricbuzz. (2022, October 15). Sanju Samson signs three-year deal with Rajasthan Royals. https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/121423/sanju-samson-signs-three-year-deal-with-rajasthan-royals
[3] ESPNcricinfo. (2023, April 29). Sanju Samson requests trade from Rajasthan Royals. https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/story/_/id/51456416/sanju-samson-requests-trade-rajasthan-royals
[4] Cricbuzz. (2023, April 29). Sanju Samson requests trade from Rajasthan Royals. https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/121860/sanju-samson-requests-trade-from-rajasthan-royals
[5] The Indian Express. (2023, May 2). Sanju Samson seeks trade from Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings a potential destination. https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/sanju-samson-seeks-trade-from-rajasthan-royals-chennai-super-kings-a-potential-destination-7958208/
Sports and health are interconnected aspects that Sanju Samson might need to consider as he seeks a trade from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2026. With the team's underperformance in the 2023 season and his own injuries in 2025, Samson's physical well-being could be improved with a fresh start on a new team. The potential departure could also impact the team's overall performance in terms of strategy and team dynamics, as Samson serves as a key player and their captain.
