Sanju Samson blocks Rajasthan Royals, intense battle set to ensue in IPL 2026

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been in the headlines after his trade from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2026 mini-auction. Following the trade, Samson reportedly blocked the Royals’ official Instagram account, which grabbed attention.

A trade unfolded between the Super Kings and the Royals before the IPL 2026 auction. Sanju moved to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran joined the Royals. Samson was acquired for his existing salary of ₹18 crore. Notably, the wicketkeeper-batter will represent the third team in his IPL journey.

Sanju Samson, the Most-Capped Player and Leading Run-Scorer for Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson has scored 4,704 runs in 176 IPL matches at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of 139, including three centuries and 26 fifties. As a wicketkeeper, he has contributed 86 catches and 17 stumpings.

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Samson is the most-capped player and leading run-scorer for the Rajasthan Royals. He scored 4,027 runs in 149 matches for the franchise at an average close to 32, including two centuries. He was appointed captain in 2021 and guided the Royals to the final in 2022, their best campaign since their title win in 2008.

The batter made his IPL debut for RR in 2013, scoring an unbeaten 27 against Kings XI Punjab in Jaipur. As skipper, he led the side in 67 games, winning 33 of them, with a win percentage under 50.

Sanju Samson’s Activity Raises Questions Over Relationship with RR

Social media activity hinted at tension between Samson and the Rajasthan Royals after his trade. Fans noticed that Samson had removed all posts connected to RR from his Instagram profile, including photos, captions and tagged collaborations. His likes and comments on older RR posts also disappeared.

Samson had blocked the franchise’s account, but some users suggested that the tags and collaborations may have been removed automatically. The online reactions quickly fuelled speculation that something serious had occurred behind the scenes between Samson and the RR management.

With emotions running high among fans, many believe the upcoming IPL will bring even more drama surrounding the match between the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals.

Rajasthan Royals unfollowed Sanju Samson on Instagram and deleted all his posts.😱

What a disgraceful behavior from the RR management.💔#IPL2026 #CSK #trade pic.twitter.com/qKPeaB81tL

— AYUSH MHATRE (@ayush_m255) November 20, 2025

No way either Sanju Samson or the rr admin has blocked the other account. The collab has dissapeared and the tag of Sanju's account is not showing anymore.

Absolute Cinema awaits in the IPL😭 pic.twitter.com/S82GhNakqj

— Ayush (@7tillexistence) November 20, 2025

Sanju Samson Traded to Chennai Super Kings in Exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran

Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals completed a major trade. Sanju Samson moved to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran joined Rajasthan. Jadeja returned to the franchise where he played during their early years and helped them win the inaugural title in 2008.

The all-rounder will play for the Jaipur-based franchise after a long and successful stint of more than a decade with CSK. Meanwhile, Samson is expected to strengthen Chennai’s batting at the top of the order. He also provides an additional leadership option alongside current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Former India skipper Rahul Dravid stepped down as head coach earlier, and the franchise has now appointed Kumar Sangakkara as their new head coach for the 2026 campaign.

Also read: Ajit Agarkar attacked by Gautam Gambhir’s teammate over Mohammed Shami’s India snub