Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has informed the franchise that he wishes to be released ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. Samson reportedly conveyed his decision to the RR management immediately after the conclusion of IPL 2025.
While RR held their season review meetings in June, they have not yet responded definitively to Samson’s request. The possibility of the franchise convincing him to stay remains open. When contacted, RR’s lead owner Manoj Badale declined to comment. The final call is expected to be made in coordination with head coach Rahul Dravid.
If the Royals agree to release their skipper, they will have the option of either trading him to another franchise or sending him into the auction pool. As per IPL rules, the franchise holds the final say in such matters. Any trade could involve a player swap or an all-cash deal.
Samson, 30, has been closely associated with Rajasthan Royals. He played for them between 2013 and 2015, returned in 2018 after a brief stint with Delhi Daredevils, and was appointed captain in 2021. Under his leadership, RR made a memorable run to the IPL 2022 final, their first since winning the inaugural edition in 2008.
However, the team has faced setbacks in recent times. Ahead of the 2025 mega auction, RR released two of their biggest names — Jos Buttler (Orange Cap winner, 2022) and Yuzvendra Chahal (Purple Cap winner, 2022). Samson himself was retained for INR 18 crore, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer.
The 2025 season was a difficult one for Samson, who missed five of RR’s 14 matches due to a side strain. In his absence, Riyan Parag took over the captaincy. The team ultimately finished ninth, managing just four wins.
At present, Samson is training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as part of a program for players shortlisted by the national selectors. He is expected to feature in the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE. Before that, he will play a few matches in the Kerala Cricket League, where he was recently picked by Kochi Blue Tigers for a record INR 26.8 lakh, making him the most expensive player in the tournament’s history.
The Royals have until November, the IPL’s retention deadline, to make a final decision on their long-time skipper.
