Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson, retained by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for INR 18 crores ahead of the IPL 2025, is now at the center of transfer speculations ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. Reports suggest that discussions about his potential departure are intensifying. According to Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — the team linked most closely with the speculation — were approached for a trade but promptly turned down RR’s proposal to exchange their captain for one of three players.
RR’s principal owner, Manoj Badale, has personally reached out to all nine other IPL franchises, leading the negotiations shortly after news emerged that Samson had requested a release or transfer due to growing differences with the team management. Sources indicate that Samson is unlikely to enter the IPL 2026 mini auction, as several franchises have already expressed interest in signing him directly.
RR’s Manoj Badale Eyes Ruturaj Gaikwad and Jadeja/Dube from Chennai Super Kings in Exchange for Sanju Samson
According to a Cricbuzz report, Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale has reportedly proposed a trade involving Sanju Samson, specifying particular players from other franchises he is interested in. There is speculation that the Royals may be close to finalizing a deal with one of them.
The details remain largely confidential, as the trade proposals were sent directly to franchise owners. A potential move involving Chennai Super Kings has attracted significant attention, but it seems unlikely. The Royals’ request for either Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ravindra Jadeja—considered deal-breaking demands—has reportedly been rejected by Chennai Super Kings. Shivam Dube’s name has also surfaced in trade talks, but Chennai Super Kings is reluctant to part with the all-rounder, emphasizing that the franchise is cautious about letting go of any key players.
Meanwhile, Samson has remained respectfully quiet regarding these trade rumors. In a recent podcast with former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, he highlighted how much the RR system means to him.
With 4,027 runs in 149 IPL matches, including two centuries and 23 fifties, Samson is the team’s top scorer and the only player in the league to surpass 4,000 runs for Jaipur. As RR’s captain, he has led the team in 67 games, winning 33, making him the franchise’s most successful skipper.
