IPL 2026 : Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, speculation was rife about Sanju Samson’s exit from Rajasthan Royals. Several media outlets reported that Chennai Super Kings were eyeing the star batter as a potential replacement for MS Dhoni, whose future with the franchise remained uncertain.
There were also rumors that Kolkata Knight Riders were in talks with Samson, with plans to rope him in as captain for the next season.
However, if the latest developments are to be believed, Sanju Samson is not going anywhere. He will continue as a key player and retain his captaincy with the 2008 champions. A source close to the team confirmed:
“Sanju is still very much a part of the franchise and remains the go-to captain for the Royals.”
This clears the air for RR fans and strengthens their hopes ahead of IPL 2026.
RR Reaffirm Samson’s Role as Captain
A recent report by The Times of India confirmed the franchise’s stance on the matter.
“RR have decided not to trade Samson or any of their players for now. Samson is very much a part of the Royals set-up and the undisputed captain of the team,” a source close to the development stated.
This update firmly puts to rest any speculation around a potential transfer, especially the rumors linking him with Chennai Super Kings or Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026.
A Decade-Long Bond with Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson’s journey with Rajasthan Royals is more than just captaincy—it’s a long-standing relationship built on loyalty, leadership, and performance. The 30-year-old from Thiruvananthapuram first joined RR in 2013 and has been an integral part of the franchise ever since, excluding the 2016 and 2017 seasons when RR served a two-year suspension.
Over the years, Samson has accumulated over 4000 runs for the team, making him one of the most successful and consistent performers in Royals’ history. His growth from a promising youngster to the franchise’s captain and face reflects the trust and commitment between him and the team.
A Look at Samson’s IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 season was far from ideal for Sanju Samson and the Rajasthan Royals. The Kerala-born cricketer missed the first three matches due to a finger fracture, which hampered both his rhythm and the team’s momentum. During his absence, youngster Riyan Parag stepped in as captain, but the team struggled to find consistency.
Samson returned midway through the season and featured in nine matches, scoring 285 runs with a solitary half-century. While he showed glimpses of his class, the lack of match time and form held him back from delivering big performances.
As for the Royals, the franchise endured one of its worst seasons in recent years, finishing 9th on the points table with only four wins in the league stage. The team failed to click as a unit, and early injuries, including Samson’s, played a significant role in their downfall.
Despite a tough season, Samson’s leadership and long-standing connection with the franchise have ensured he remains central to their plans for IPL 2026.
