Not Rajasthan Royals!! Sanju Samson to captain this team in IPL 2026

Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson had discussions with the Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) mini auction. Samson was reportedly unhappy with the management’s decisions, including the release of former England skipper Jos Buttler ahead of the mega auction.

Samson was retained for ₹18 crore by the Royals before IPL 2025. However, the right-handed batter missed a few matches of the season due to injury. He played nine games and scored 285 runs, including a half-century. There is uncertainty over whether he will continue with the Royals or join a new team.

Discussions Took Place Between Sanju Samson and the Delhi Capitals During the Asia Cup 2025

On his YouTube channel, RepSports journalist Rohit Juglan revealed that discussions had taken place between Samson and the Delhi Capitals during the Asia Cup 2025. Juglan stated that Samson was also offered the captaincy role.

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“I came to know about Sanju Samson during the Asia Cup 2025. I talked to some people, and there were discussions between Samson and Delhi Capitals not just about him as a player but also about him as a captain,” Juglan said.

“There was a difference of opinion between the franchise and Sanju Samson. And this wasn’t just about Rahul Dravid. Some might say that since Dravid has left, the issue no longer exists, but actually, things had escalated beyond him.”

Sanju Samson Unhappy With Rajasthan Royals’ Decision to Release Jos Buttler

Rohit Juglan stated that Samson was unhappy with the Rajasthan Royals’ decision to release Jos Buttler. He added that Samson wanted to keep the top order unchanged. Juglan also pointed out that tensions between Samson and the franchise became visible during a match against Delhi.

“Sanju wanted Jos Buttler to be retained, but Rajasthan didn’t. He didn’t want changes in the top order. It wasn’t that he was against Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He just didn’t want to compromise his position. Sanju was fully available to lead the side during the first two or three games," Juglan stated.

"When I watched the Delhi match, the one that went into a Super Over, it became clear that there was a difference of opinion. Sanju was sitting separately while the rest of the team was discussing strategy. Even when a player called him to join the huddle, he stayed back. That’s when it became evident that things weren’t right between Sanju Samson and Rajasthan Royals.”

Sanju Samson’s Record With Rajasthan Royals in IPL

Sanju Samson made his debut for the Rajasthan Royals in 2013. The wicketkeeper-batter switched to the Delhi Capitals for the 2016 season. After spending a couple of years in Delhi, Samson rejoined the Royals in 2018.

Samson has been a key player in Rajasthan’s batting lineup. For the Royals, he has scored 4027 runs in 149 matches at a strike rate of 141.25 and an average of 31.71, including two centuries and 23 half-centuries.

The Royals appointed him as captain ahead of the 2021 season. Under his leadership, the team reached the final in 2022 but failed to qualify for the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.

Overall, Samson has accumulated 4704 runs in 177 matches at an average of 30.94 and a strike rate of 139.04, with three centuries and 26 half-centuries to his name.

Also read: Blow for India!! Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of first three T20Is against Australia