Sanju Samson’s future with the Rajasthan Royals has been thrown into uncertainty after reports emerged that he has asked the franchise to release him ahead of IPL 2026. While no official confirmation has come from the team, the request has sparked intense speculation, with some pointing to a possible rift with head coach and mentor Rahul Dravid as the trigger.
The timing is striking—Samson’s request reportedly came immediately after the conclusion of IPL 2025. Having been retained by RR for ₹18 crore before the last mega auction, he is contracted for two more seasons. The Royals now face a high-stakes decision: let go of their long-serving captain and most consistent batter, or hold firm and risk an unhappy senior player.
The whispers of tension gained momentum after changes to Samson’s batting role in IPL 2025. The arrival of 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi saw Samson pushed lower down the order, a move some believe did not sit well with him. Add to this the reports of cooled relations with Dravid, and the trade talk suddenly has a storyline—though Samson himself has avoided feeding the rumor mill.
Instead, he publicly expressed gratitude to the Royals, calling the franchise his “launchpad” and acknowledging Dravid and team owner Manoj Badale for giving him the platform to showcase his talent. Samson’s measured comments suggest a man aware of the value of diplomacy, even while exploring a potential exit.
Former players and pundits have jumped into the discussion. Kris Srikkanth dismissed the idea of a deep personal rift as “baseless” but warned RR not to underestimate the impact of losing Samson. He also hinted that Chennai Super Kings could be a natural fit, even going as far as to suggest Samson as a possible successor to MS Dhoni. CSK are said to be monitoring the situation closely, though trade negotiations have reportedly stalled, with Rajasthan unwilling to accept anything less than a player-plus-compensation package.
The dynamics are complex. Samson, 30, is the Royals’ all-time leading run-scorer and has led them since 2021, including to a final in 2022. His leadership has been steady, but the team’s inconsistency in recent seasons—and the emergence of new talent—may have shifted internal priorities. On the flip side, his brand value and proven ability in pressure situations make him a highly desirable asset for any IPL side.
For now, the stalemate continues. The Royals must weigh loyalty and continuity against the risk of retaining a player who may no longer see his future with them. Other franchises are circling, but the price and politics of a high-profile trade could delay any outcome until the retention deadline later this year.
Whether this ends with Samson in different colors or with a patched-up relationship in Jaipur, the episode has already added another layer to the narrative of both player and franchise. If a deal does happen, it could become one of the most significant player moves in recent IPL history.