"RR has meant the world to me”- Sanju Samson says amidst rumors of exit from franchise

Sanju Samson is RR's highest run-getter in IPL with 4219 runs.

In the midst of rumors that he has asked for his release ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson showed his gratitude and admiration for the Rajasthan Royals, his IPL team. Samson joined the Royals in 2013 to begin his IPL career, and in 2021, he was appointed captain.

In 2022, he guided the team to the final and nearly won their second IPL championship, but they lost to the Gujarat Titans. In recent years, the 30-year-old has come to represent the team, although there have been rumors that he may leave the Royals before the 2026 season.

Samson, who has amassed 4,219 runs in 150 innings across several IPL seasons, is the Rajasthan Royals' all-time top scorer. Reports, however, implied that he has submitted a transfer request and is seeking a new beginning in the IPL.

The wicketkeeper batsman expressed his love for the team and his appreciation to Rahul Dravid and Manoj Badale for providing him with a chance, despite all the rumors.

"RR has meant the world to me. A small child coming from a village in Kerala, wanting to show his talent. And then Rahul (Dravid) sir and Manoj Badale sir gave me a stage to get up and show the world what I am made of,” said Samson in a chat with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

Samson also looked back at his journey in IPL for RR and showed gratitude that they took a chance on him when he was a teenager and showed faith in his abilities.

"That time, they trusted me throughout. The journey with RR has been really great, and I’m very grateful to have been in a franchise like that. It really means a lot to me," said Samson.

Samson was retained by RR for INR 18 crores ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. But his season was marred by injuries and form issues as RR finished ninth on the points table with just four wins in 14 games.