Sanju Samson, the star wicketkeeper-batter and long-time face of Rajasthan Royals, has reportedly asked the franchise to release him. According to a recent report, tensions between Sanju Samson and the Royals’ management have reached a point where the Kerala cricketer, who has represented the team in 149 Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, has formally requested either a trade or inclusion in the upcoming auction.
Sources close to the player suggest that his desire to move on is no secret, with both family members and fellow cricketers acknowledging that his bond with the franchise has weakened over time. Sanju Samson, retained for ₹18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, featured in nine matches earlier this year, amassing 285 runs including a half-century. He remains the Royals’ most capped player and highest run-scorer with 4,027 runs to his name. Appointed the captain before the 2021 season, he has led the side in 67 matches, securing 33 wins.
Despite these developments, the franchise’s stance appears unchanged. Reports on Wednesday indicated that Rajasthan Royals have no plans to trade Sanju Samson or any other player at present. The management reportedly sees him as an integral part of their setup and their undisputed leader heading into the new season.
Sanju Samson’s journey in the IPL began in 2012 when he was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders, though he did not play a match for them. He joined Rajasthan Royals the following year, making his debut against Punjab Kings. After four seasons, he moved to Delhi Capitals during RR’s suspension from the league. The Royals brought him back at the 2018 auction for ₹18 crore and in 2021, he was named captain, a role he marked with a century in his very first outing as skipper.
The unfolding situation now places both Sanju Samson and the Royals at a crossroads, with the future of their long-standing association hanging in the balance.
