In a big surprise, Sanju Samson has asked Rajasthan Royals (RR) to release or trade him ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Samson has been the captain of RR for the past few years. But now, reports say he is not happy with the team.
According to Cricbuzz, Samson has had issues with RR for a long time. These issues are mainly about team selection and captaincy decisions. Because of this, the Kerala batter now wants to leave the franchise.
CSK Interested in Sanju Samson, But Trade Depends on RR ahead of IPL 2026
Even though Samson has made a formal request, he cannot leave on his own. As per IPL rules, once a player signs a contract with a team, he must stay for three years. Sanju Samson has a contract with RR till 2027. So, it is RR’s decision, not Samson’s, to allow any move.
If RR agrees, they can either release him before the mini-auction or trade him with another team. They are not interested in an all-cash deal. They want a player-for-player trade instead.
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Reports say Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are keeping an eye on the situation. Samson reportedly met CSK head coach Stephen Fleming during the MLC 2025 season. This has sparked rumours that CSK may be planning a move.
RR, however, are said to have asked CSK for two players in return if Sanju Samson is to be traded. No official deal has been made yet.
Samson has been one of RR’s best players and their captain since 2021. His exit would be a big shift for the franchise. But if the problems between him and the management cannot be fixed, a trade may happen.
More updates on this story are expected in the coming weeks as teams prepare for IPL 2026.
