The IPL 2026 auction is getting closer as franchises gear up to hunt for top talent ahead of the new season. This pre-auction season is heating up like no other, with current rumours regarding the immediate future of Rajasthan Royals’ wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.
Several reports seem to suggest links between the star cricketer and multiple IPL franchises. Other media releases claim Sanju handed in a trade request ahead of the mini-auction scheduled for mid-December 2025.
Speculation over Samson’s future continues to grow as franchises seek reliable players to fill specific roles within their lineups.
Why is the Sanju Samson RR Exit Rumours Refusing to Go Away?
High IPL 2025 retention price
RR spent ₹18 crore to retain Samson ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise may seek alternative measures to maintain a larger purse at auction by releasing high-salaried players like Samson.
News of formal trade request
Some reports from credible news media in August 2025 suggested Samson’s desire to leave RR before IPL 2026. These reports claim Samson informed franchise top officials of his intentions ahead of the mini auction.
Limited timeframe
The BCCI set a tight retention deadline franchises must beat to keep their preferred players ahead of IPL 2026. Samson’s continued stay at RR could end if the team decides to rely on other players on their radar.
Which Franchises May Secure Samson for IPL 2026?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Finishing last in IPL 2025 as a five-time champion will raise enormous questions within any franchise. Analysts expect CSK to begin their squad overhaul from the next auction, as few marquee players become available.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
The Gujarat Titans (GT) got off to a flying start with an IPL title during their debut season in 2022. GT got to the IPL 2023 final under Hardik Pandya’s leadership but failed to clinch another trophy. Two further unsuccessful attempts in 2024 and 2025 may push the franchise to seek tested players from other teams within their ranks in 2026.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
The five-time IPL champions have not had any luck in at least 4 recent attempts to reclaim their crown. Such a long trophy drought raises eyebrows within MI’s hierarchy, and the franchise may seek a reliable wicketkeeper like Samson to marshal their next campaign.
MI was quite close to a record sixth title at IPL 2025 and may believe Samson’s input is enough to secure another trophy.
Why is Sanju Samson a Top Target If He Leaves RR Before IPL 2026 Auction?
Samson has been a consistent runs-getter since his IPL debut in 2013. The wicketkeeper-batter combines assured hitting with remarkable fielding duties during play. His remarkable input earned him significant fame among fanbases and a boosted profile among players in India’s top franchise league.
Samson continues to improve his striking abilities and has a remarkable stat profile to back his IPL performances for over a decade.
Several franchises will be on the hunt for his services if Samson becomes available, and it is no surprise when you consider his profile in recent years.
Sanju Samson General IPL Stats So Far
Batting and Fielding Stats (2013-2025)
| Year | Team | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
| 2013 | Rajasthan Royals | 11 | 2 | 206 | 63 | 25.7 | 115.73 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 5 | 13 | 0 |
| 2014 | Rajasthan Royals | 13 | 0 | 339 | 74 | 26.0 | 124.17 | 0 | 2 | 25 | 17 | 5 | 2 |
| 2015 | Rajasthan Royals | 14 | 1 | 204 | 76 | 20.4 | 125.15 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| 2016 | Delhi Daredevils | 14 | 3 | 291 | 60 | 26.4 | 112.35 | 0 | 1 | 20 | 8 | 3 | 1 |
| 2017 | Delhi Daredevils | 14 | 0 | 386 | 102 | 27.5 | 141.39 | 1 | 2 | 32 | 19 | 4 | 0 |
| 2018 | Rajasthan Royals | 15 | 1 | 441 | 92 | 31.5 | 137.81 | 0 | 3 | 30 | 19 | 5 | 0 |
| 2019 | Rajasthan Royals | 12 | 2 | 342 | 102 | 34.2 | 148.69 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 13 | 4 | 1 |
| 2020 | Rajasthan Royals | 14 | 1 | 375 | 85 | 28.8 | 158.89 | 0 | 3 | 21 | 26 | 9 | 2 |
| 2021 | Rajasthan Royals | 14 | 2 | 484 | 119 | 40.3 | 136.72 | 1 | 2 | 45 | 17 | 7 | 4 |
| 2022 | Rajasthan Royals | 17 | 1 | 458 | 55 | 28.6 | 146.79 | 0 | 2 | 43 | 26 | 14 | 2 |
| 2023 | Rajasthan Royals | 14 | 2 | 362 | 66 | 30.1 | 153.39 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 24 | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 | Rajasthan Royals | 16 | 4 | 531 | 86 | 48.2 | 153.47 | 0 | 5 | 48 | 24 | 6 | 1 |
| 2025 | Rajasthan Royals | 9 | 1 | 285 | 66 | 35.6 | 140.39 | 0 | 1 | 27 | 13 | 4 | 1 |
Overall individual IPL performance (2013-2025)
| Category | Stats |
| Total Runs (IPL 2013 – IPL 2025) | 4,704 |
| Hundreds Scored | 3 |
| Fifties Scored | 26 |
| Strike Rate Progression | IPL 2013: 115.7; IPL 2025: 140.3 |
| Best Average | 48.27 (2024) |
| Best SR (full season) | 158.89 (2020) |
| Most 6s in a Season | 26 (2022 & 2020) |
| Most Catches in a Season | 14 (2022) |
