Rajasthan Royals captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has asked the franchise to let him go. Reports from Cricbuzz, ESPN Cricinfo, and the Indian Express on Thursday (August 7) revealed that the 30-year-old from Kerala has formally requested RR to either trade or release him ahead of the IPL 2026 auctions. Samson is RR’s most capped player, highest run-scorer, and most successful captain in the team’s history.
Chennai Super Kings Show Interest
Just a day after news of Samson’s exit request surfaced, the Indian Express reported that five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are keen to sign him. After IPL 2025 ended, Samson even met CSK’s management and head coach Stephen Fleming in the United States.
“It is understood that Chennai are open to the idea of bringing the 30-year-old to Chepauk through a trade deal via cash. But it has hit a roadblock, with Rajasthan preferring an exchange of two players from Chennai,” the report stated.
Other Franchises Also in the Race
Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have also shown interest in signing Samson. However, sources suggest that “Samson seems to be keen on making a move to Chennai for multiple reasons.”
Interestingly, Samson was part of KKR’s squad in 2012 when Gautam Gambhir led the team to the IPL title, but he never played a match for them.
Possible IPL 2026 Auction Entry
Insiders believe Samson may enter the IPL 2026 auctions if RR and CSK fail to reach an agreement. “According to those in the know, the chances of Samson entering the auctions are highly likely at this stage if both Rajasthan and Chennai don’t reach an agreement,” the report added.
Samson’s IPL Journey and Achievements
Since his debut in 2013, Samson has played 177 matches for Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils), scoring 4,704 runs. His record includes three centuries and 26 fifties. Under his leadership, RR reached the IPL final in 2022.
As captain, he has led RR in 67 matches, winning 33. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Rajasthan retained him for ₹18 crore.
