Team India wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson is in the news after being traded from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2026 mini-auction. Following the trade, Samson reportedly blocked the Royals’ official Instagram account, which garnered attention.
A trade between the Super Kings and Royals took place ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Sanju moved to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran joined the Royals. Samson was bought for his current salary of ₹18 crore. Notably, the wicketkeeper-batsman will represent the third team in his IPL journey.
Sanju Samson, most capped player and leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson has scored 4,704 runs in 176 IPL matches at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of 139, which includes three centuries and 26 fifties. As a wicketkeeper, he has contributed 86 catches and 17 stumpings.
Samson is the most capped player and leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals. He scored 4,027 runs in 149 matches for the franchise at an average of close to 32, including two centuries. He was appointed captain in 2021 and led the Royals to the final in 2022, their best campaign since their title win in 2008.
The batsman made his IPL debut for RR in 2013 and scored an unbeaten 27 against Kings XI Punjab in Jaipur. As captain, he led the team in 67 games, winning 33 of them, with a win percentage of less than 50.
Sanju Samson’s activity raises questions on relationship with RR!
Social media activity indicated tension between Samson and Rajasthan Royals following his trade. Fans noticed that Samson has removed all RR-related posts from his Instagram profile, including photos, captions and tagged collaborations. His likes and comments on old RR posts also disappeared.
Samson blocked the franchise’s account, but some users suggested that the tags and collaborations may have been automatically removed. Online reactions immediately fueled speculation that something serious had happened behind the scenes between Samson and RR management.
With emotions running high among fans, many believe that the upcoming IPL will bring even more drama with the match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
Rajasthan Royals unfollowed Sanju Samson on Instagram and deleted all his posts.
What insulting behavior of RR management.#IPL2026 #csk #Business pic.twitter.com/qKPeaB81tL
– Ayush Mhatre (@ayush_m255) 20 November 2025
In no way has Sanju Samson or RR Admin blocked the other account. The collab has disappeared and the tag of Sanju’s account is no longer visible.
Waiting for the perfect cinema in IPL pic.twitter.com/S82GhNakqj
– Ayush (@7tillexistence) 20 November 2025
Sanju Samson traded to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran
A big deal was completed between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Sanju Samson moved to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran joined Rajasthan. Jadeja returned to the franchise where he played in the early years and helped them win their first title in 2008.
The all-rounder will play for the Jaipur-based franchise after a long and successful stint of over a decade with CSK. Meanwhile, Samson is expected to strengthen Chennai’s batting at the top of the order. He also provides an additional leadership option along with current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Former India captain Rahul Dravid had earlier stepped down as the head coach and now the franchise has appointed Kumar Sangakkara as its new head coach for the 2026 campaign.
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