Rajasthan Royals are all set to get a new captain before IPL 2026. It is almost certain that Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is leaving the franchise, and he has reportedly informed the team management about his decision.
There has long been speculation about this possible separation, but neither Samson nor the 2008 IPL champion has denied or acknowledged the rumours. His silence is a clear indication that the Indian wicketkeeper is looking for new opportunities ahead of IPL 2026.
Sanju Samson’s exit from Rajasthan Royals is almost certain before IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are said to be very interested in signing Samson. But no official statement has come from these teams or Kerala Star. However, the suspense on Samson’s journey with the royals will soon end.
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Amidst the rumors flying around, it is being said that not just Samson, but another star player drafted by Rajasthan Royals is set to leave the franchise before the next edition. However, it is not clear why Jurel is considering leaving the Jaipur-based franchise.
Rajasthan Royals promise captaincy to Yashasvi Jaiswal; Dhruv Jurel has prepared to leave the franchise
As per the report of RevSportz journalist, Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel are leaving RR ahead of IPL 2026. He also claimed that Yashasvi Jaiswal has been assured by the Royals team management that he will be handed the captaincy, but he may have to wait for a season.
However, it will become clear in the next few weeks whether RR wants to give Riyan Parag one more season as captain or Yashasvi Jaiswal will make his captaincy debut next year. The journalist further told that Jaiswal wanted to leave RR, but he stopped him by assuring him of captaincy.
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Rajasthan Royals are planning to abandon their tradition of grooming young talents from IPL 2026, and they will be investing heavily in proven match-winners in the upcoming mini auction after their poor performance in the last two to three seasons.
IPL 2026 mini auction likely to take place between December 13-15
Meanwhile, the IPL 2026 mini-auction is reportedly scheduled to take place in mid-December 2025, with December 13 to 15 emerging as the most likely window. While the official confirmation from the IPL Governing Council is still awaited, internal discussions are already underway between the BCCI and franchise representatives to finalize the exact schedule.
Before the auction drama begins, teams will have to make their toughest decision to choose who will stay and who will go. The deadline to retain players has been tentatively set for November 15. By that date, franchises must submit a list of players they wish to retain and those they plan to release into the auction pool.
Big changes are going to happen in IPL mini auction, this time there will be no limit on retaining players. Last year, teams could field a maximum of six players and use the Right to Match card. Now, the franchise has complete freedom to retain or release anyone, which could lead to a dramatic reshuffle going forward.