Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson in discussion with Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) mini auction. Samson was reportedly unhappy with the management’s decisions, which also included the release of former England captain Jos Buttler ahead of the mega auction.
Samson was retained by Royals for ₹18 crore ahead of IPL 2025. However, the right-handed batsman could not play some matches of the season due to injury. He played nine matches and scored 285 runs including one half-century. There is uncertainty over whether he will continue with the Royals or join the new team.
Discussion took place between Sanju Samson and Delhi Capitals during Asia Cup 2025
On his YouTube channel, RepSports journalist Rohit Juglan revealed that there were discussions between Samson and Delhi Capitals during the Asia Cup 2025. Juglan said that Samson was also offered the captaincy role.
“I got to know about Sanju Samson during the Asia Cup 2025. I spoke to a few people and there was a buzz about Samson and Delhi Capitals not only as a player but also as a captain,” Juglan said.
“There were differences of opinion between the franchise and Sanju Samson. And it was not just about Rahul Dravid. Some may say that since Dravid has left, the issue no longer exists, but in reality, things had moved on from him.”
Sanju Samson unhappy with Rajasthan Royals’ decision to release Jos Buttler
Rohit Juglan said that Samson was unhappy with Rajasthan Royals’ decision to release Jos Buttler. He said that Samson wants to keep the top order unchanged. Juglan also revealed that the tension between Samson and the franchise was visible during the match against Delhi.
“Sanju wanted Jos Buttler to be retained, but Rajasthan did not do that. He did not want changes in the top order. It was not that he was against Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He just did not want to compromise his position. Sanju was fully available to lead the team during the first two or three matches,” Juglan said.
“When I watched the Delhi match, which went into the Super Over, it became clear that there was a difference of opinion. Sanju was sitting aside while the rest of the team was discussing strategy. Even when a player called out to him to join the crowd, he stayed. Then it became clear that things were not well between Sanju Samson and Rajasthan Royals.”
Sanju Samson’s record with Rajasthan Royals in IPL
Sanju Samson made his debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2013. The wicketkeeper-batsman moved to Delhi Capitals for the 2016 season. After spending a few years in Delhi, Samson re-joined the Royals in 2018.
Samson has been a key player in Rajasthan’s batting lineup. For the Royals, he has scored 4027 runs in 149 matches at a strike rate of 141.25 and an average of 31.71, which includes two centuries and 23 half-centuries.
The Royals appointed him captain ahead of the 2021 season. Under his leadership the team reached the finals in 2022 but failed to qualify for the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.
Overall, Samson has scored 4704 runs in 177 matches at an average of 30.94 and a strike rate of 139.04, which includes three centuries and 26 half-centuries.
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