Not CSK! Sanju Samson’s blockbuster transfer to this IPL team almost done

According to the latest report in The Telegraph, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in final-stage talks with a top Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise to trade their captain Sanju Samson.

That franchise is, surprisingly enough, not Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as Rajasthan Royals (RR) are looking to transfer Sanju Samson to the three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

RR eyeing Varun Chakravarthy for Samson?

Sanju Samson has formally asked for his release from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) due to ‘serious differences’ with the team management.

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He was retained by the inaugural IPL champions for INR 18 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction, but is no longer interested in continuing with the side.

This led to RR looking for options to part ways with Sanju Samson via trade and now they are on the verge of signing a deal with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Reportedly, RR has told KKR the names of players they want in exchange for Samson, and in the next few days, a deal might be reached between the two parties, but it won't involve Sunil Narine or Varun Chakravarthy leaving the Knight Riders.

"The Royals have been looking for a quality spinner, but the question of KKR trading Sunil Narine or Varun Chakravarthy for Samson doesn’t arise, sources told The Telegraph," the report read.

Also Read: Marnus Labuschagne snubbed as Australia squad for Ashes 2025-26 picked by ex-cricketer

Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramadeep Singh could he traded for Samson

As per the same report, there are chances that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might trade the young batting sensation Angkrish Raghuvanshi or explosive all-rounder Ramadeep Singh for the Rajasthan Royals skipper.

This is because RR is looking to build a strong middle order for the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and if they are unable to get the players they want, an all-cash deal could be made.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) had a poor outing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as they finished in ninth position with just four wins in 14 matches.

Things didn't go their way in the batting or bowling departments, with the only positive being the emergence of the 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who set the stage on fire and sealed his place in the playing XI as an opener.

Talking about Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), they too struggled under Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy and finished in eighth position, with just five wins.

The addition of Samson to their squad could turn out to be a game-changer as they are in desperate need of an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman and possibly a new leader. Also, KKR are looking to rope in Kumar Sangakkara after parting ways with Chandrakant Pandit.

Why RR-CSK deal for Sanju Samson didn't materialise?

Before KKR came into the picture, there were reports that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson would be traded to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The five-time champions also showed interest in the wicketkeeper-batsman, but were not ready to trade the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube for Sanju Samson.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have never traded players with other franchises and that trend is likely to continue.