Indian wicketkeeper-batsman and Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson’s IPL future has been the hottest topic in franchise cricket for a long time. Sanju Samson has already made up his mind to leave the Royals and trade rumors have been in the news for the last two weeks.
The star wicketkeeper-batsman, who currently commands a hefty salary of ₹18 crore from Rajasthan Royals, has reportedly asked for release from the franchise.
KKR leads the hunt for Sanju Samson as Abhishek Nair eyes a proven Indian leader
According to reports, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are closely monitoring Samson’s situation and are preparing to make their move if he becomes available.
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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are most interested in Samson. KKR, under the leadership of new head coach Abhishek Nair, is keen to add a proven Indian leader to their fold.
Financially, the deal could be manageable for them, as releasing Venkatesh Iyer could immediately free up the ₹18 crore needed to bring Samson on board ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “Looks like Sanju won’t be staying there. However, if you are releasing a player worth ₹18 crore, you need a player of equally good quality. If Rajasthan wants to release Sanju, which team can offer someone in return? KKR would be extremely interested in an all-cash deal. Delhi would not mind, although you would also have to release ₹18 crore to bring Sanju to your side.” That won’t be a problem, because if they release Venkatesh Iyer, he will get ₹18 crores released immediately, and you can do a full cash deal.”
CSK and DC plan major reshuffle to bring Sanju Samson into their squad ahead of IPL 2026
Even if Rajasthan agrees to part ways with their star player the Kolkata side are also reportedly ready for an all cash deal. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals are considering a player swap deal involving South African finisher Tristan Stubbs.
Stubbs, who was bought for ₹10 crore, has had a good IPL 2025 season and fits in perfectly with Rajasthan’s middle-order. However, DC may still face a shortfall of ₹8 crore in the transaction if the swap goes through.
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Chopra said, “Delhi will not mind if Sanju Samson comes to their team because Sanju plays well on this ground. If they get Sanju then they can release Jake-Fraser McGurk. Sanju will open and KL Rahul can open with him, but they cannot release Tristan Stubbs.”
But the move could give a boost to Delhi’s top-order, as the arrival of Sanju Samson will give them a chance to open with KL Rahul, creating one of the most dangerous Indian batting pairs in the IPL.
However, Chennai Super Kings is also keeping a close eye on the situation. CSK sees Samson as a long-term solution behind the stumps and a powerful presence at the top of the order. If CSK releases one or two senior players before the auction, they have the financial flexibility to match Samson’s price tag.
Rajasthan Royals looking to improve after a poor IPL 2025 season
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has been the face of the Royals for years and has played a key role in building the team’s identity, so losing him will be a big blow for them. But the RR team management is reportedly ready to revamp its core after another disappointing season, especially after Shimron Hetmyer’s poor performance in IPL 2025.
It is noteworthy that Samson is currently on Australia tour with the Indian cricket team. He was dropped from the playing eleven after a flop show in the last matches. Jitesh Sharma was given preference in the third T20I which India won by five wickets against Australia in Melbourne.
