Will he stay? Will he go? That’s the million-dollar question (or should I say ₹18-crore question?) when it comes to Sanju Samson and the Rajasthan Royals. Over the past few weeks, this has been one of the hottest topics in IPL 2026 circles. Every cricket fan, journalist, and even retired player has thrown in their two cents, and for good reason—Sanju isn’t just another player. He’s the face of RR, their captain, and one of the most stylish batters in the game.
But things are not as rosy as they seem. Behind the scenes, there’s a storm brewing between Samson and the Royals management. Reports suggest serious differences have developed—so much so that Sanju has formally asked to be traded or released into the IPL 2026 auction. And if you’re wondering how we got here, let’s unpack the situation.
The Cracks in the Relationship
From the outside, the Sanju-RR bond has always looked strong. The franchise picked him up back in 2013, long before he became a regular in the Indian team. They nurtured him, gave him responsibility, and eventually made him captain. He’s been their poster boy, their fan favourite.
But this season, the equation has shifted. Sources close to Samson—family members included—have openly said he no longer wishes to continue with the Royals. Several players, both in the IPL and the Indian circuit, have hinted that the camaraderie between captain and franchise isn’t what it used to be.
One possible trigger? Batting position. Sanju loves opening the innings—he does that for India in T20Is when given the chance. But RR stumbled upon a golden opening pair last season in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. They were so good together that it became almost impossible to break them up. Samson, as captain, might have expected more say in such decisions, and this could have been one of the friction points.
Of course, that’s just one piece of the puzzle. There might also be other issues simmering in the background — things like differences over team strategy, decisions on which players to retain, or even debates about who should lead the side in the future.
The Rules of the Game (Literally)
Here’s where it gets tricky. In the IPL, it’s not as simple as a player saying, “I want to leave” and walking away. Contracts bind players for a three-year cycle. For Sanju, that cycle runs until the end of the 2027 season. The only ways out are:
- A trade – where RR swaps him with another player (or multiple players) from another franchise.
- Release into the auction – where any team can bid for him next season.
The catch? The franchise decides, not the player. That means RR holds all the cards—at least on paper.
The Royals’ Dilemma
This puts Rajasthan in a tough spot. On one hand, Sanju is a marquee player. The team has stood by him through good seasons and bad, and with plenty of cricket still left in him, parting ways would feel like losing a core piece of the Royals’ identity.
On the other hand, no team wants an unhappy captain. An IPL dressing room runs on energy, trust, and mutual respect. When a captain’s heart isn’t fully in it, that feeling can quickly spread through the rest of the squad.
From what we know, RR is exploring trade options. They’ve reached out to multiple franchises—yes, even those with solid wicketkeeper-batters. But a player like Samson doesn’t come cheap. His ₹18-crore price tag means it’s not just about finding a replacement in skill—it’s about finding equal value.
The CSK Factor
Whenever a big Indian player is up for grabs, Chennai Super Kings’ name inevitably pops up. And yes, CSK have reportedly shown interest in Sanju. But here’s the twist—CSK doesn’t like trading away their own players. Their philosophy has always been about continuity and loyalty.
So unless RR agrees to a purely cash-based deal (which seems unlikely), the only real chance CSK have is if Samson is released into the auction. Imagine Sanju opening for CSK with Ruturaj Gaikwad—that would send the Chepauk crowd into overdrive.
For now, though, it’s just a dream scenario for CSK fans.
Why Other Teams Are Hesitant
It’s not that other franchises don’t want Sanju. They do. In fact, many have already expressed interest. But when it comes to executing a trade, the numbers have to add up.
Who do you give up for a player like Samson? A star bowler? A top-order batter? A combination of two or three strong players? That’s a big decision for any team, and not many are ready to pull that trigger just yet.
Plus, the chemistry factor plays a role. Wicketkeeper-captains aren’t easy to replace. If you bring in Sanju, you may have to rethink your leadership group entirely.
The Emotional Side of the Story
This isn’t just business—it’s personal. The RR-Sanju connection has always been one of mutual growth. Back in 2013, after a breakout knock against Mumbai Indians, even Sachin Tendulkar wanted to meet him. That’s how much promise he showed as a teenager.
Over the years, he’s matured, taken on leadership roles, and carried the team on his shoulders during tough seasons. For fans, the thought of seeing him in another jersey feels strange—almost wrong.
But cricket is a game of change.
What Could Happen Next
So where does this all lead? Here are the three most likely scenarios:
- He Stays – RR convinces Sanju to see out his contract, maybe with promises of more batting flexibility or leadership input.
- A Blockbuster Trade – RR gets a combination of star players and/or cash from another franchise, making it worth their while.
- Released to Auction – The most dramatic option, where all teams get a shot at signing him. Expect a bidding war if this happens.
As things stand, no deal is close to being finalised. RR management has gone silent publicly, and Samson himself hasn’t made any official statements beyond his trade request.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a Rajasthan fan or just someone who loves the IPL’s off-field drama, this is one storyline you’ll want to keep an eye on. Sanju Samson isn’t just a name on a squad list—he’s a brand, a leader, and one of the most watchable batters in the league.
If RR finds a way to patch things up, it could be the comeback story of the season. But if they don’t, IPL 2026 might give us one of the most high-profile player moves in recent memory.
Either way, this saga is far from over. And as we know in the IPL, nothing—absolutely nothing—is impossible.
If you want to stay ahead on all the big IPL 2026 updates, team changes, and inside stories like this one, keep checking CricketBettingTips.org. It’s your go-to for match analysis, player news, and accurate betting tips for the game we all love.
Also, don’t miss our blogs on today match prediction for expert insights before every game.