Sanju Samson asks Rajasthan Royals for release: What it means for IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals’ long-time captain Sanju Samson has asked the franchise to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, setting up one of the biggest off-season storylines in years. The request was communicated right after IPL 2025 ended, and while Royals held review meetings in June, they have not given a definitive answer yet. The final call is expected from lead owner Manoj Badale in consultation with head coach Rahul Dravid, with the door still open to convince Samson to stay.

The immediate picture: Request made, decision pending

Samson, 30, has told RR he wants out before the 2026 auction; the franchise controls the final decision under IPL contract rules.
If released, RR can explore a trade (player swap or all-cash) or send him into the auction pool.
No formal decision yet; ownership is weighing options with the coaching staff.

Samson and RR: A long partnership at a crossroads

Joined RR in 2013, returned in 2018 after two seasons at Delhi Daredevils, and became captain in 2021.
Led Royals to the 2022 final—their first since the title in 2008—before a cycle reset that saw Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal released ahead of the 2025 mega auction despite their 2022 Orange/Purple Cap seasons.
Retained for IPL 2025 at INR 18 crore alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer.
Played only nine of 14 matches in 2025 due to a side strain; Riyan Parag captained in his absence and RR finished ninth with four wins.

What options do RR have?

Path	How it works	Notes
Convince and retain	Keep Samson as capped retention	Samson was an 18 crore retention for 2025; cap strategy matters with limit on retained capped players.
Trade (player swap or cash)	Both franchises and player must agree; fee separate from auction purse	Common models include all-cash trades (e.g., earlier big trades) or swaps; player consent typically required in modern IPL trade protocols.
Send to auction	Release and rebid if desired	RTM availability varies by team; Royals had no RTM left last cycle; 2026 cap slated to rise to ₹151 crore.

Franchises can retain up to six players (max five capped; up to two uncapped) via retention and RTM combined in current cycle frameworks.
Royals have roughly two months before the retention deadline in November to decide.

Why now? Performance context and role

Samson’s 2025 season was hampered by injury and an unsettled batting group, with Royals sliding to ninth.
Reports around the league suggest multiple teams are tracking the situation closely given Samson’s dual value as wicketkeeper and top-order batter in a post-mega-auction market.
Any potential move would instantly alter the auction dynamics, especially for teams seeking a long-term captain-wicketkeeper profile.

What’s next for Samson (India duties and KCL)

Currently training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru in a targeted program for selectors’ shortlist.
Likely to be picked for the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE, fitness permitting.
Before that, set for match time in the Kerala Cricket League after becoming the most expensive KCL signing—Kochi Blue Tigers bought him for INR 26.8 lakh.

The bigger IPL picture: Retentions, RTM, and trade windows

Retention/RTM frameworks allow up to six players retained in total, with limits on capped/uncapped composition; RTM is back with a tweak where the highest bidder gets one final chance to raise the bid before the RTM holder matches.
Trading windows (pre- and post-auction) facilitate all-cash or swap deals, generally with player consent; only retained players are eligible to be traded.
Salary cap is expanding across the cycle—₹151 crore by IPL 2026—impacting how teams structure top-end contracts.

What a Samson move would mean

For Royals: Replacing leadership and a keeper-batter with brand value is not easy; timing matters ahead of the November deadline.
For the market: A marquee Indian keeper-batter in the pool or trade lane can trigger ripple effects—role reshuffles, purse reallocation, and rivalry bids.
For Samson: A fresh environment could bring clarity on batting role and leadership, but a trade/auction path also brings pressure to deliver immediately.

Timeline to watch

August–September: Samson’s KCL games and India training block; Asia Cup selection and fitness markers.
By November: IPL 2026 retention deadline; RR must decide to retain, trade, or release.
Pre-auction window: Potential trade discussions (swap/cash) if retained before movement.

In simple terms, this is a delicate standoff with high stakes for both sides. Samson has been the face of RR’s modern era, but after an injury-hit 2025 and a squad in transition, he has asked for a new chapter. Royals still hold the cards and the calendar gives them time—but not much. Expect intense back-channel talks, a firm decision by November, and—if he moves—one of the biggest IPL storylines heading into 2026.

ESPNcricinfo first reported Samson’s request and RR’s ongoing deliberations.
Multiple outlets have since echoed the status and explored trade/auction implications and interest around the league.
Samson’s KCL record signing and BCCI training block indicate he will be match-ready for India’s Asia Cup plans while the IPL picture evolves.

The Cricket Standard