In a major development reported by Cricbuzz, Sanju Samson has officially asked Rajasthan Royals to either trade or release him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Meanwhile, several franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, are keen to have him in their squad.
It is considered that all is not well between the Royals and Samson and the Kerala cricketer has expressed his desire to move on from them. His decision was backed up by his family members.
However, the decision to trade Sanju Samson is not as easy as it looks from a distance. There is a critical catch to it. The decision to retain or release a player is solely at the discretion of the franchise, in this case Rajasthan Royals. Meanwhile, Samson’s contract with the Royals is upto 2027, which is again one of the reasons why the decision to trade or release him will not be an easy one for the franchise.
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Definitely Looking At Sanju - CSK Official
Meanwhile, friends close to Sanju Smason have also indicated that the relationship between him and the Royals have turned sour in recent times. Previously, a CSK official had confirmed that the franchise is keen on roping in the Indian wicket-keeper batter, seeing him as a perfect replacement for MS Dhoni when the latter wishes to end his IPL career.
"We are definitely looking at Sanju. He is an Indian batter, who is a keeper and an opener. So if he is available, we will certainly have a look at the option of having him in our fold. Who we will trade him with we have not taken that call because the matter has not gone that far. But yes, in principle, we are interested," the CSK official, involved in the decision-making process, told this website on the condition of anonymity.
The Royals are also in a conundrum regarding Samson’s future with the franchise. With him willing to move away, the franchise is thinking about whether it will be morally right to stop him since he has made up his mind.
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Lack Of Freedom For Samson At Royals
On the other hand, the report in Cricbuzz said that the Royals are actively exploring the options of his trade. They have reached out to almost all teams and even teams with prominent Indian wicketkeepers. However, as of now, they are yet to reach a stage of negotiation or conclusion. The report further said that Samson has lost out on the freedom that he enjoyed previously at the franchise, which is why he is exploring other options.
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