Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has asked his franchise to release him before the IPL 2026 trade window. He informed the team of his wish after IPL 2025 ended. Reports suggest Samson wants to try his fortune elsewhere, with Chennai Super Kings emerging as a possible destination.
The Royals have not agreed yet and may attempt to convince him to stay. The final call will rest with lead owner Manoj Badale, in coordination with head coach Rahul Dravid.
If Rajasthan agrees, they could trade him for a player swap, opt for an all-cash deal, or put him in the IPL 2026 auction. As per IPL contracts, franchises have the final say in such matters. Samson’s decision marks a turning point for a player who has been the face of the Royals since 2018 and captain since 2021.
From Debut to Captaincy
Samson made his IPL debut with the Rajasthan Royals in 2013. After two seasons, he moved to the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for two years. He returned to RR in 2018 and became captain in 2021. Under his leadership, Rajasthan reached the final in 2022, their first since winning the inaugural 2008 season, but lost to Gujarat Titans.
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Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, RR released Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal while retaining six players. Samson, retained for ₹18 crore, was the costliest among them. The list also included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer.
A Difficult 2025 Season
Samson, now 30, played only nine of 14 matches last season due to a side strain. Riyan Parag stepped in as the stand-in captain. Rajasthan won only four games and finished ninth. The disappointing season may have influenced Samson’s decision to look for a change.
CSK Connection
Samson and the Chennai Super Kings are rumoured to be related. It would mean a new home for him. Given that MS Dhoni appears to be planning to retire from franchise cricket before the 2026 IPL, it might be the best succession plan for CSK. This is said to be a win-win situation for both parties.
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Growing Captaincy Reset Trend
Samson’s decision is consistent with IPL leaders looking for new beginnings following difficult campaigns. Underperforming players are no longer the only ones who can undergo leadership changes.
These days, even well-known celebrities search for settings where they may start over without the burden of previous efforts. This change may reshape how IPL teams handle captaincy stability in subsequent campaigns.
High-Stakes Decision for RR
The Rajasthan Royals must make a crucial choice regarding Samson’s future. It’s not easy to replace a captain who has played a key role in the team’s identity for many years.
A transfer might revitalize Samson’s career and put him in a position of leadership at another big team. In addition to a new chapter for him, IPL 2026 may witness a more extensive restructuring of franchise leadership throughout the league.
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