The long-standing relationship between Sanju Samson and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) appears to be under serious strain, as the franchise’s captain has formally requested a trade or release ahead of the next IPL season. Sources close to Samson and within the cricketing fraternity suggest a growing rift between the player and the franchise management, prompting one of the most talked-about developments in the lead-up to IPL 2026.
Tensions Behind the Scenes
Sanju Samson, who has led RR for multiple seasons and has been a part of the franchise since 2013 (except during RR’s suspension in 2016–17), is believed to be unhappy with how internal matters have unfolded. While neither party has issued an official statement, insiders reveal that the wicketkeeper-batter no longer wishes to continue with the Royals.
Close associates and even family members have reportedly confirmed Samson’s desire to move on. Current and former teammates have also hinted at a souring of the once-strong bond between the Kerala-born cricketer and the RR think tank.
Contractual Challenges for a Move
Despite Samson’s intent, the path to a trade or release isn’t straightforward. Under IPL rules, once a player is retained or bought at auction, he is contractually bound to the team for a three-year cycle — in this case, until IPL 2027. The decision to trade or release rests solely with the franchise, not the player.
This leaves Rajasthan Royals with a dilemma: do they retain a marquee player who no longer wants to be part of their setup, or do they let him go and risk losing one of their most valuable assets without sufficient return?
Reasons Behind the Rift
One of the apparent issues is Samson’s preferred batting position. Known to be most comfortable as an opener — a role he plays in India’s T20 setup — Samson found himself pushed down the order last season due to the emergence of a successful opening pair in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. While this may not be the only cause, it has reportedly contributed to the growing dissatisfaction.
As captain, Samson may have expected more control over the team’s strategy and his role within it. The feeling of being sidelined in key decisions has possibly further strained relations with the management.
Royals Weighing Options, Other Teams Interested
The Royals, having nurtured Samson since his teenage years, are reluctant to let him go without fair value. RR have reportedly approached multiple franchises — including those already equipped with wicketkeeper-batters — to explore trade possibilities. However, no team has yet presented a trade offer that meets Samson’s value, reportedly set at ₹18 crore.
Among the interested franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are said to be monitoring the situation. However, their reluctance to part with existing players limits the possibility of a direct trade. Sources indicate that if CSK does pursue Samson, it may have to be through the IPL 2026 mega auction.
Notably, MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad were recently seen at CSK’s High Performance Centre in Chennai, where informal discussions among top players and team management are believed to have taken place. Whether Samson’s situation was on the agenda remains unclear.
What Next for Samson and the Royals?
The deadlock leaves the ball firmly in the Royals’ court. While they legally hold the player until 2027, the value of a motivated and aligned squad may force them to make a tough decision. If no acceptable trade emerges, and Samson refuses to compromise, RR may have no choice but to release him into the auction — a move that could alter the dynamics of IPL 2026.
For now, the cricketing world watches closely as the Royals deliberate over the future of one of their longest-serving and most popular stars.
