Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals’ captain, has requested a trade or release. This move shocked the IPL world. It followed a disastrous 2025 season. Rajasthan Royals finished ninth with only four wins. Sanju Samson’s decision marks a turning point. His near-decade-long stint with the team may end. The franchise faces a critical moment.
Sanju Samson’s Trade Request
In June 2025, Sanju Samson formally asked to leave. This came after Rajasthan Royals’ season review. His ₹18 crore multi-year contract binds him until 2027. IPL rules give the franchise control. Sanju Samson can’t force a move. His request signals deep issues. Negotiations are tense. The situation remains unresolved.
Why Sanju Samson Wants Out?
Sanju Samson’s rift with Rajasthan Royals grew over time. Key issues fueled the discord. The release of Jos Buttler was a major blow. Sanju Samson called it “challenging.” He felt sidelined in decisions. The rise of young stars like Vaibhav Suryavanshi pushed Sanju Samson to No. 3 or 4. This clashed with his role for India. Riyan Parag’s captaincy stint during Sanju Samson’s injury hinted at a succession plan. Friction with coach Rahul Dravid also surfaced. Sanju Samson’s exit seems inevitable.
Key Events in the Rift
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | Jos Buttler released | Sanju Samson disagreed with the move, showing a strategic disconnect. |
| Mar-May 2025 | Riyan Parag named stand-in captain | Signaled Rajasthan Royals’ future plans, sidelining Sanju Samson. |
| Mar-May 2025 | Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s rise | Pushed Sanju Samson down the batting order, threatening his national role. |
| Apr 2025 | Friction with Rahul Dravid reported | Sanju Samson’s body language showed tension despite Dravid’s denials. |
| Jun 2025 | Sanju Samson requests trade | Formalized his intent to leave after a poor season. |
| Aug 2025 | Sanju Samson’s family confirms his stance | Confirmed Sanju Samson’s desire to exit, escalating the crisis. |
Public vs. Private Divide
Sanju Samson publicly praised Rajasthan Royals. He called it “the world” to him. This was on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel. But privately, Sanju Samson is done. His family confirmed he wants out. Rajasthan Royals posted a cryptic message. It quoted Sanju Samson with a heart emoji. Fans saw it as a farewell. The franchise avoids direct statements. The divide shows a managed crisis.
Rajasthan Royals’ Hardball Tactics
Rajasthan Royals are playing tough. Owner Manoj Badale leads talks. They approached Chennai Super Kings (CSK). They demanded Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube for Sanju Samson. CSK rejected this outright. The demands set a high value for Sanju Samson. They also signaled Rajasthan Royals’ needs. Talks with other teams continue. A trade or auction release looms.
The New Rajasthan Royals Era
Rajasthan Royals are shifting focus. They’re building a young, Indian core. Sanju Samson doesn’t fit this vision. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi lead the charge. Jaiswal scored 559 runs in 2025. Parag and Jurel got ₹14 crore each. Suryavanshi’s 252 runs at a 206.56 strike rate shone. Sanju Samson’s ₹18 crore deal feels outdated. The team is moving on.
Key Players in the New Core
| Player | Role | IPL 2025 Runs | Strike Rate | Retention Fee (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener/Captaincy Candidate | 559 | 159.71 | 18.0 |
| Riyan Parag | Middle-Order/Captaincy Candidate | 393 | 166.53 | 14.0 |
| Dhruv Jurel | Wicketkeeper/Middle-Order | 333 | 156.34 | 14.0 |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Opener | 252 | 206.56 | N/A (Auction Buy) |
| Sanju Samson | Captain/Wicketkeeper/Top-Order | 285 | 140.39 | 18.0 |
Captaincy Battle: Jaiswal vs. Parag
Sanju Samson’s departure forces a captaincy choice. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag are contenders. Jaiswal’s 559 runs and international status make him ideal. He wants to lead. Parag captained eight games in 2025 but won only two. His loyalty is strong, but Jaiswal’s stature is bigger. Choosing Parag risks alienating Jaiswal. The decision will shape the team.
CSK and KKR Chase Sanju Samson
Chennai Super Kings see Sanju Samson as MS Dhoni’s heir. He fills captaincy, wicketkeeping, and batting roles. CSK met Sanju Samson in the US. They want a cash deal. Kolkata Knight Riders need Sanju Samson to fix their roster. He’d free an overseas slot. KKR could release Venkatesh Iyer for funds. Both teams are desperate for Sanju Samson.
Strategic Needs of Suitors
| Franchise | Need | How Sanju Samson Helps | Complications |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSK | Dhoni’s successor | Sanju Samson fills all three roles | Top-order fit is tricky |
| KKR | Indian wicketkeeper-batter | Sanju Samson frees an overseas slot | Managing Shreyas Iyer’s leadership |
IPL 2025: What Went Wrong
Rajasthan Royals’ 2025 season was a disaster. They won four of 14 games. A five-match losing streak hurt. Chasing was a weakness, losing eight of nine. Sanju Samson’s injury exposed batting depth issues. The bowling was worse. No bowler took more than 11 wickets. The team lacked a strike bowler. This fueled Sanju Samson’s frustration.
Auction Challenges
The 2025 mega-auction hurt Rajasthan Royals. They retained six players, leaving ₹41 crore. This was the smallest purse. Releasing Sanju Samson adds ₹18 crore. This could help in 2026. A trade is preferred to avoid bidding wars. Their CSK demands show desperation.
What Rajasthan Royals Need
Rajasthan Royals need an elite fast bowler. Jofra Archer wasn’t enough. A death-over specialist is key. They also need an all-rounder. A stable middle-order batter is vital if Sanju Samson leaves. These gaps must be filled.
What’s Next for Sanju Samson
Three scenarios await Sanju Samson. A trade is most likely. KKR could offer a player swap. An auction release is possible. This gives Rajasthan Royals funds but risks a bidding war. Keeping Sanju Samson is unlikely. It could create a toxic team environment.
Strategic Recommendations
- Push for a Trade: Target a bowler or all-rounder for Sanju Samson. Be realistic.
- Release if Needed: Use Sanju Samson’s ₹18 crore for an elite bowler.
- Name a Captain: Choose Jaiswal or Parag fast to show stability.
The Bigger Picture
Sanju Samson’s exit will shake the IPL. CSK could become title favorites with him. KKR could build a balanced squad. Rajasthan Royals could gain assets to rebuild. Sanju Samson’s move will redefine the 2026 season.
About the Author
Kya kkr Rinku Singh ka trade Sanju kar sakti hai?
Kkr na Rinku Singh ka last 2 Saal sa sahi use nahi kar rahe hai. Rinku Singh ko bahuth niche batting karate hai no.7 or 8 pr.
Plus Rinku Singh ka batting performance bhi itna accha nahi raha hai or ab Rinku ko IND t20 sa bhi Bahar kiya jaa raha hai jissa uski brand value bhi kaam ho jaegi