Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has officially submitted a request to be released or traded from the Jaipur franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, signaling a major upheaval after a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign and mounting internal tensions. Central to this unfolding drama is the emergence of teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose rise has reportedly altered Samson’s role in the team and contributed to the star wicketkeeper-batter’s discontent.
Key Highlights: Sanju Samson’s Trade Request and Reasons
Samson, who has led Rajasthan Royals since 2021, played only nine matches in IPL 2025 due to injury and was sidelined during many crucial moments, including when the Royals finished 9th in the points table.
Reports indicate Samson’s dissatisfaction stems in part from the promotion of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi as an impactful opening partner to Yashasvi Jaiswal, which relegated Samson to the No.3 batting spot—a position he reportedly does not want as his permanent role.
This positional shift and the franchise’s apparent preference for the young and dynamic opening duo have caused strain in Samson’s relationship with the Royals management, leading to his formal trade or release request.
Despite public denials from coach Rahul Dravid about any discord, insiders and members of Samson’s family have openly stated that he no longer wishes to continue with Rajasthan Royals.
Samson remains under contract with the Royals until 2027, giving the franchise final say over his future—whether to entertain trade offers, negotiate a release to auction, or retain him despite mutual misgivings.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The New Star Changing Team Dynamics
Vaibhav’s breakthrough season as a teenage opener for Rajasthan Royals combined with Yashasvi Jaiswal has created one of the IPL’s most promising young opening partnerships.
The franchise’s faith in Vaibhav’s potential and his consistent performances have made it difficult for Samson to reclaim the opening role, upsetting the veteran’s preferred batting position and rhythm.
This factor is widely seen as the tipping point contributing to Sanju Samson’s mental and professional frustration, pushing him to seek a fresh start elsewhere.
Potential Trade Destinations and Market Interest
Sanju Samson’s request has ignited intense speculation about his next destination, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showing keen interest due to their need for an Indian wicketkeeper-batter following MS Dhoni’s retirement.
Former India opener and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has suggested that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could be an eager buyer, given their historical connection to Samson and current strategic needs for an Indian wicketkeeper with batting prowess.
CSK appears willing to negotiate but has reportedly not yet tabled offers meeting Rajasthan Royals’ demands. The franchise holding Samson’s contract has the authority to decide if they want a direct trade, a player swap (possibly involving R. Ashwin), or to release Samson into the auction pool.
CSK may try to facilitate a trade deal via cash considerations or player exchanges, but negotiations remain complex and no definitive agreement has been reached as of early August 2025.
Broader Implications for Rajasthan Royals
The possible exit of Samson, a player who has been synonymous with Rajasthan Royals for nearly a decade on and off, would mark a seismic shift for the team’s leadership and composition.
Rajasthan’s prioritization of youth and fresh talent, as seen in their retention of players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, suggests a long-term rebuilding strategy that may not align with Samson’s role or ambitions.
The franchise faces a dilemma between holding an experienced but discontented player versus letting go of a homegrown star who commands a high price tag (retained at INR 18 crore).
What’s Next for Samson and Rajasthan Royals?
With the IPL retention and trade deadlines approaching in November, both parties have limited time to formalize Samson’s future.
Samson is currently training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and is expected to participate in upcoming international events like the Asia Cup, keeping him in competitive shape ahead of IPL 2026.
The unfolding trade saga underscores tensions common in franchise cricket where squad evolution and player preferences occasionally clash, posing tough decisions for management and players alike.
In summary, Sanju Samson’s potential departure from Rajasthan Royals centers around the disruptive yet promising Vaibhav Suryavanshi factor, which has reshaped team batting orders and Samson’s aspirations. The ongoing negotiations and whisperings of interest from franchises like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders paint a picture of a dramatic pre-IPL trade season. Whether Samson stays to fight for his place or embarks on a new chapter remains a story closely watched by fans and cricket pundits ahead of the 2026 IPL season.
Sources: India Today, ESPNcricinfo, NDTV Sports
