RR reportedly sought Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube from CSK,
Rumours are rife that Sanju Samson has asked Rajasthan Royals (RR) to release or trade him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, following a deepening rift with the franchise.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the Royals are reportedly exploring multiple trade options and have approached all franchises, even those with established wicketkeeper-batters.
The report claims RR lead owner Manoj Badale also floated specific player names in exchange for Samson. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) -- the franchise most strongly linked to the saga -- has apparently rejected RR’s proposal to swap their captain for one of three players.
Badale sought Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube from CSK, but the five-time champions are unwilling to part ways with any of them. As a result, the trade talks have hit stalemate — unless CSK get back with an alternative offer or bid for Samson in the auction.
The report further adds it is unlikely Samson’s name will go the auction ring, as multiple franchises have already expressed interest in signing him directly. Technically, he could still remain at Rajasthan, since players have limited influence in such situations, but fallout between the two parties have reportedly increased over numerous issues, including the decision to release Jos Buttler.
"Letting him go has been one of the most challenging decisions for me. During the England series, I told him over dinner that I was still not over it. If I could change one thing in the IPL, I would change the rule of releasing players every three years," Samson had told Star Sports before last IPL season.
During a recent podcast with R Ashwin, Sanju Samson chose to remain silent on the situation and praised the franchise instead.