19 days ago

Sanju Samson Seeks Exit from Rajasthan Royals After Captaincy Dispute

Batter

Sanju Samson, captain of the Rajasthan Royals, has reportedly requested a trade or release from the franchise ahead of the 2026 IPL season. Sources suggest a clash with team management over captaincy decisions during the 2025 season fueled Samson's desire to leave.

According to reports, Samson was unhappy with being denied the captaincy in the first three matches of the 2025 season, despite being available as an impact player. The team management reportedly favored Riyan Parag for the leadership role, creating tension throughout the season. Samson's frustration was evident when he was seen distanced from team discussions during matches, a stark contrast to how other senior players like Rohit Sharma

Sanju Samson Seeks Exit from Rajasthan Royals After Captaincy Dispute image

The rift between Samson and the RR management seems to stem from disagreements over team strategy and performance over the past few seasons. The franchise is reportedly open to exploring trade options for Samson, whose contract runs until 2027. While the Chennai Super Kings have expressed interest, the Kolkata Knight Riders are considered a more strategic fit due to their need for a wicketkeeper-batsman and captain.

In the 2025 IPL season, Samson scored 285 runs in nine innings with a strike rate of 140.39, but missed five games due to injury. His departure would mark the end of an eight-season tenure with the Royals, during which he led the team to the finals in 2022.