Sanju Samson could leave the Rajasthan Royals
Photo : AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Sanju Samson wants to leave RRSamson could be traded or enter the auctionCSK have expressed interest
All is not well in the Rajasthan Royals (RR) camp after their disastrous display in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, as their captain, Sanju Samson, has expressed his desire to leave the franchise ahead of the 2026 mini auction, likely to take place later this year.
As per a report by Cricbuzz, Samson has formally communicated to the Royals that he wants to leave the franchise and requested them to either trade him or release him, which will allow him to register in the auction. The published information also states that Samson’s family members have openly stated that the 30-year-old wants to no longer continue with the Royals.
The report states that Samson wants to open the innings and wants the freedom to choose his own batting position. However, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s emergence alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal has made that a tough prospect. It is also mentioned that there are other points of discord between the player and the franchise.
CSK Wait On Sanju Samson
Over the last few months, there have been strong rumours of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wanting to sign Samson, but the Royals remain determined not to lose their captain. As per the same report, the 2008 champions have reached out to all franchises over a possible trade deal.
The Super Kings have openly expressed interest, but as a matter of policy, do not want to release players, which makes a direct trade tough. An all-cash deal for a player like Samson, who was retained for a whopping Rs. 18 crore last year, is reportedly out of question for RR.
CSK officials stated that, as things stand, their best hope to acquire Samson is if he enters the auction.
The same is said to be the case with other franchises, which have expressed interest but not offered a deal that satisfies the Royals.