Sanju Samson leaves Rajasthan Royals after ‘serious differences’ with Rahul Dravid

On Thursday, August 7, an explosive report from Cricbuzz claimed that the superstar wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has asked for his release from the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

The report claimed that there are ‘serious differences’ between Sanju Samson and Rajasthan Royals (RR) management, which has prompted the wicketkeeper-batsman to ask for his release.

Sanju Samson formally asks Rajasthan Royals to release or trade him

For a very long time now, the Sanju Samson-Rajasthan Royals trade talks have taken centre stage and have become the biggest talking point ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction.

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There were some conflicting reports regarding the situation between the two parties, but a latest report on the matter suggests that Samson has formally asked Rajasthan Royals to trade or release him.

The family members of the Kerala star have openly said that Samson isn't keen to continue with the inaugural IPL champions, and his teammates have hinted that the wicketkeeper-batsman is not on good terms with the franchise.

“Serious differences have cropped up between Sanju Samson and the Royals management – so much so that the designated captain has formally requested to be traded or released into the auction."

“Members of Samson’s family openly say that he no longer wishes to continue with the Royals. Some current IPL and international players close to him also indicate that his relationship with the franchise has not exactly been the way it used to be," the report added.

RR not keen on doing an all-cash one-way deal

Samson signed an INR 18 crore deal with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 mega auction, which restricts him from leaving the team till 2027.

The IPL contracts are quite strict in nature, and a player cannot simply leave a team if he wishes to. But on the flip side, a franchise has the right to terminate the contract, and releasing a player who is no longer interested in staying will only be beneficial for both parties.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have reportedly explored options to part ways with Samson via trade, but haven't gotten good offers from franchises. CSK have openly shown interest in roping in Sanju Samson, but are unwilling to release their players, and RR aren’t keen on an all-cash one-way deal.

"A few franchises have shown interest, but none have offered a trade acceptable to the RR management. Chennai Super Kings have openly expressed interest, but as a matter of policy, they are unwilling to release their players - ruling out a direct trade."

MS Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad are in Chennai, and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officials recently held meetings, but it is unclear if the agenda was the acquisition of Sanju Samson.

Also Read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi nearly kills someone with a brutal shot

Sanju Samson didn't get freedom at Rajasthan Royals

As per the same Cricbuzz report, Samson didn't get the freedom he expected being the captain at the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

He is India's go-to opener in T20Is and prefers that spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well, but the emergence of Vaibhav Suryavanshi pushed him down the order with the teenage sensation opening with Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Other than this, several other factors have led to the relationship getting sour between the two parties. Samson is the most capped player in history for the Rajasthan Royals with 155 games under his belt. He has scored 3002 runs for RR at an average of 31.96 and a strike rate of 140.53.