Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has reportedly informed the franchise that he wishes to be released ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Samson communicated this desire to the RR management soon after the conclusion of the IPL 2025 season. Although the franchise conducted its review meeting for the 2025 season in June, they have not yet given Samson a definitive response. The option to convince him to stay with the team remains open.
RR’s principal owner Manoj Badale declined to comment on the matter when asked. The final decision is expected to be taken in consultation with the team’s head coach Rahul Dravid.
If Rajasthan Royals decide to release Samson, they can either trade him to another franchise or send him into the auction pool. As per IPL contract rules, the final say in such cases lies with the franchise. A trade could involve a player exchange or a full cash deal.
Samson, now 30 years old, first played for RR in IPL 2013 and remained with them till 2015. He then represented Delhi from 2016 to 2017 before rejoining RR in 2018. He was appointed as captain in 2021 and led the team to the IPL 2022 final — their first since the 2008 title-winning season.
He was one of the six players retained by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the previous mega auction, with a contract worth ₹18 crore. The other retained players included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer. Due to a side strain injury, Samson played only 9 of RR’s 14 matches in IPL 2025, during which Riyan Parag led the team in his absence.
Despite retaining Samson ahead of the last mega auction, RR still holds the right to keep him for the next two seasons. However, for that to happen, both the player and the franchise will have to resolve some internal differences. If RR chooses not to release him, Samson will have no option but to stay, as IPL regulations give the franchise full authority over the three-year contract.
Reportedly, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are interested in having Sanju Samson in their teams. Both franchises are actively in talks with Royals management.