Sanju Samson to CSK IPL 2026 trade rumour over? RR captain’s retention and future hinge on Rajasthan Royals owner
The noise around Sanju Samson’s IPL future has been growing louder with each passing week. As the 2026 IPL mini-auction approaches, the Rajasthan Royals skipper once again finds himself at the centre of transfer speculation.
Fans keep asking the big question: Will he stay in pink or move to yellow? It all began after reports claimed that Samson had contacted Royals management after the 2025 season, asking them to either trade or release him.
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This created a storm of rumours, with Chennai Super Kings suddenly emerging as a possible new home. But as things stand, the trade talks seem to have gone cold.
Are Sanju Samson’s trade rumours with Chennai Super Kings over?
According to a recent Moneycontrol report, there is now little substance left in the Samson-to-CSK buzz. Franchise sources reportedly denied any active discussions with Chennai and suggested that the Royals are still considering retaining their captain.
For now, Samson’s future lies in the hands of Rajasthan Royals’ principal owner Manoj Badale, who will make the final decision on his retention.
Samson’s current contract with RR runs until 2027, meaning the franchise can retain him without needing his approval.
However, multiple reports suggest that the relationship between Samson and the RR management has been tense in recent months. While he remains one of the team’s biggest match-winners and the face of the franchise since 2021, the management is said to be evaluating all options.
However, multiple reports have pointed out that the relationship between Samson and the team management has not been very smooth lately.
While he remains one of RR’s biggest match-winners and the face of the franchise since 2021, the management is said to be weighing all options.
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Could Rajasthan Royals replace Samson as captain?
There’s also growing buzz around a potential captaincy change in Jaipur. Sources close to the franchise revealed that Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal are being looked at as future captaincy options.
Parag stepped in as skipper for a few matches last season when Samson was injured, while Jaiswal is being seen as a long-term leadership candidate.
If Samson stays purely as a player, he could still play a crucial role with the bat — but the captaincy tag might move elsewhere.
For now, all eyes are on Manoj Badale’s final decision. Whatever happens, Sanju Samson’s name will dominate headlines until the official IPL 2026 retention list is released.
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