After a growing split with the Rajasthan Royals, India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has reportedly urged them to trade him or release him before the 2026 IPL auction. But the situation looks far more complicated than it does, and Rajasthan must make a difficult choice.
The conflict between Sanju Samson and the Rajasthan Royals has reportedly gotten even worse, according to a report on Cricbuzz. In addition to IPL and international players close to Samson implying that “the relationship hasn’t been the same as before,” family members of the cricketer reportedly said that “he no longer wishes to continue with the Royals.”
According to the report, one factor behind the fallout could be Rajasthan’s refusal to let Samson decide his own batting position. While the wicketkeeper-batter typically opens in T20s—including for India—RR opted midway through last season to pair Vaibhav Suryavanshi with Yashasvi Jaiswal. The partnership flourished, leaving little room to alter the order. However, the report added that this might not be the sole cause of the rift.
Although Samson has requested a trade or release, the organization has the last say because he has a contract that expires in 2027. However, Rajasthan is faced with a conundrum: keeping a disgruntled player could cause chaos in the dressing room, but it’s also challenging to let rid of a homegrown star like Samson, whom they have nurtured over the years.
The Chennai Super Kings have demonstrated a definite intention among the interested parties. CSK views Samson as a potential long-term replacement for MS Dhoni, who is anticipated to retire soon. Trade negotiations, meanwhile, are said to have stopped. RR is not considering an all-cash one-way trade for a player worth INR18 crore like Samson, while CSK is unwilling to let go of any of their present players.
Remarkably, Dhoni has been practicing at the team’s high-performance center alongside CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Cricbuzz was unable to verify whether the Samson problem was discussed at their meeting with management. A CSK spokesperson clarified, nevertheless, that they would like to try their luck in the auction.
