Sanju Samson Eyes Rajasthan Royals Exit Before IPL 2026 Auction — Will the Franchise Let Him Go?

Ahead of the next session of the Indian Premier League 2026 auction, Rajasthan Royals Captain Sanju Samson conveyed his decision soon after the conclusion of IPL 2025 to the RR management that he wants to part ways with the franchise, as confirmed by ESPNcricinfo.

Although the Royals held their post-season review meetings in June, no official response has been given to Samson’s request. There is still a chance the team may try to retain him. Franchise co-owner Manoj Badale has chosen not to comment, with the final decision expected to be made jointly by Badale and head coach Rahul Dravid.

Possible Routes if Samson is Released

If the Royals decide to let Samson go, they could either trade him to another team or allow him to re-enter the player auction pool. Under IPL regulations, the franchise holds the ultimate say in such cases. Any trade could involve a player exchange or a cash deal.

Samson’s association with RR began in 2013, lasting until 2015 before he joined Delhi Daredevils for two seasons. He returned to Rajasthan in 2018 and became captain in 2021. In 2022, he guided the team to their first final since winning the inaugural title in 2008. However, before the 2025 mega auction, RR released key players Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal, despite their earlier standout performances.

Injury-Interrupted 2025 Season

Before the last mega auction, Samson was among six players retained, commanding a fee of ₹18 crore. The list also included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer. In the 2025 season, Samson featured in only nine of 14 matches due to a side strain, with Riyan Parag taking over as stand-in captain. RR finished ninth on the points table with just four wins.

Current Activities and Future Timeline

At present, Samson is undergoing training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as part of a programme for players shortlisted by national selectors. He is likely to be picked for the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE. Before that, he will compete in the Kerala Cricket League for Kochi Blue Tigers, who secured him for ₹26.8 lakh — the highest bid of the tournament. Rajasthan Royals have until November, the retention deadline, to make a final call on Samson’s future with the team.