Sanju Samson May Leave Rajasthan Royals Over Captaincy Clash
Reports suggest Sanju Samson has asked Rajasthan Royals management to release him before the IPL 2026 season. Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes the captaincy role given to Riyan Parag is the main factor behind Samson’s potential departure. The Royals and head coach Rahul Dravid are yet to finalize a decision.
Captaincy Shuffle Highlights Samson-Parag Dynamics
In IPL 2025, Samson started as a substitute after the National Cricket Academy (NCA) did not clear him as a wicketkeeper. During this period, young Riyan Parag took over the captaincy duties. Later, Samson resumed full-time captaincy but was sidelined with a side strain against Delhi Capitals, and Parag once again led the team.
Despite rumors of tension between Samson and Dravid, the coach dismissed these claims during the season.
Young Talent Emerges, Creating Uncertainty for Samson
Samson’s absence gave a chance to 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made headlines by scoring the fastest century by an Indian in IPL history. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryavanshi forming a strong opening pair, Samson’s role in the Royals squad looks uncertain.
On his YouTube channel, Badrinath said, “I feel Riyan Parag is the reason. If you consider him for captaincy, how do you expect someone like Samson to stay?”
Will Samson Join Chennai Super Kings?
Rumors are swirling that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are interested in signing Sanju Samson. Badrinath views Samson as a suitable replacement for MS Dhoni at CSK but notes potential challenges.
He explained, “If Sanju Samson does come to CSK, then he could be the like-for-like replacement for MS Dhoni. Samson is a batter who can bat in the top three or four spots in the batting order. He is not someone who could fit in the number five or six spot in the playing XI. CSK are strong in those areas of the playing XI. Mhatre is settled, Gaikwad is settled, Brevis is settled.”
Badrinath added, “I am not sure if CSK would do a transaction like MI did to get Hardik Pandya from GT. So even if Sanju Samson comes in, the question remains whether CSK can fit him into the playing XI.”
What’s Next for Sanju Samson?
The uncertainty around Samson’s future with Rajasthan Royals adds excitement to the IPL transfer market ahead of 2026. Fans will watch closely to see if the Royals release their former captain and if CSK moves to sign him.
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