Sanju Samson requested to leave RR: MS Dhoni replacement for IPL 2026
Sanju Samson: The situation regarding Rajasthan Royals and a potential trade is centered around their captain, Sanju Samson. In recent cricket update Sanju Samson requested to leave RR: MS Dhoni replacement for IPL 2026.
Recent reports suggest that Sanju Samson has formally requested the Rajasthan Royals to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 season. This comes amid a reported deepening rift between the player and the franchise.
Multiple sources indicate that Samson has communicated his desire to leave the franchise. He has asked to be either traded to another team or released into the auction pool. One of the main reasons for the fallout is believed to be a disagreement over Samson’s batting position.
While he often opens for the Indian T20 team, the Royals opted to open with Vaibhav Suryavanshi alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the latter half of the IPL 2025 season, which was a move that reportedly did not sit well with Samson. It is also rumoured that there are other unresolved issues between the player and the management.
Despite Samson’s request, the final decision lies with the franchise. He is under contract until the 2027 season, giving the Royals the upper hand. The team is reportedly exploring trade options but has not found an acceptable deal yet. The franchise’s lead owner, Manoj Badale, and head coach Rahul Dravid will make the final call before the IPL retention deadline in November.
Interest from Other Teams: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has reportedly shown significant interest in Samson, seeing him as a potential long-term replacement for MS Dhoni. However, trade talks have stalled as CSK is unwilling to release a player in exchange, and an all-cash deal is not feasible for a player with a high salary.
Other franchises, like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), are also said to be in the mix. In summary, while Sanju Samson has expressed his desire to leave, his fate is currently in the hands of the Rajasthan Royals management. The situation is complex, and it remains to be seen if he will be traded, released into the auction, or convinced to stay.
