Sanju Samson's CSK deal called off!! IPL Auction becomes last option

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is reportedly unlikely to join the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The Chennai franchise has shown cooled interest, while Rajasthan Royals (RR) remain completely unfazed by the trade buzz, making the off-season switch unlikely at this stage.

Sanju Samson requested the Royals to release him after IPL 2025. He had been retained for Rs 18 crore ahead of last year’s mega auction. Samson played only nine of 14 matches due to a side strain, with Riyan Parag stepping in as stand-in captain. The Royals can release him or trade him to another team.

Sanju Samson’s IPL 2025 Season and Rajasthan Royals Journey

Sanju Samson began his IPL journey with Rajasthan Royals in 2013 and played three seasons before moving to the Delhi franchise during RR’s two-year suspension. He returned to the Royals in 2018 and was retained ahead of the 2022 and 2024 mega auctions.

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Ahead of the 2021 season, RR appointed Samson as captain. Under his leadership, the team finished as runners-up in 2022. However, the Royals struggled in recent seasons, missing the playoffs in two of the last three IPL editions.

Samson’s IPL 2025 campaign was hampered by injuries. He scored 285 runs at a strike rate of 140.39. The batter started the season as an Impact Player, and an abdominal injury against Delhi Capitals forced him to miss five games. Notably, the team finished ninth in the points table.

CSK’s Interest in Sanju Samson Has Cooled Ahead of IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings reportedly considered signing Samson, especially with uncertainty around MS Dhoni’s future. However, the franchise has cooled its interest in the idea.

A CSK official told RevSportz that there are no ongoing discussions with the Rajasthan Royals regarding Samson, calling the trade talk “all rumours”. The official stated that nothing is planned at present.

“No, no, we aren’t having any discussion with Rajasthan Royals about him at this moment,” the CSK official told RevSportz. “It’s all rumours. We can’t tell about the future, but as of now, nothing.”

Sanju Samson Has Been Included in India's Squad for the Asia Cup 2025

Sanju Samson has been included as India’s primary wicketkeeper-batter for the 2025 Asia Cup, but his spot in the starting XI is uncertain. Shubman Gill, who returned to the T20I setup as vice-captain, is likely to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, which could force Samson to miss the playing XI.

The team is expected to have Tilak Varma at number three and captain Suryakumar Yadav at four. Samson has struggled batting at number four or lower in T20Is, raising the possibility of Jitesh Sharma taking the keeper-batter role down the order.

The Men in Blue will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on September 10. They will face Pakistan and Oman in their remaining group-stage matches.

Also read: Prithvi Shaw to join CSK!! Batsman makes 1st move