NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson, captain of the Rajasthan Royals, has formally communicated his desire to part ways with the franchise following a mixed 2025 IPL season. This move could mark the end of his nearly decade-long stint with the Jaipur-based team. As per reports, Samson has informed the Royals of his intent to explore opportunities with other franchises ahead of the upcoming mega auction.A consistent performer in the IPL, Samson has represented both Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals across 177 matches. In 172 innings, he has scored 4704 runs at an average of 30.94 and a strike rate of 139.04. With 3 centuries, 26 fifties, and a highest score of 119, Samson has often been a match-winner with the bat. His elegant strokeplay and power-hitting have also produced 379 fours and 219 sixes. Behind the stumps, he has contributed significantly with 86 catches and 17 stumpings.SAMSON’S IPL JOURNEY:
| Matches | 176 |
| Innings | 172 |
| Runs | 4704 |
| Balls Faced | 3383 |
| Highest Score | 119 |
| Average | 30.75 |
| Strike Rate | 139.05 |
| Not Outs | 19 |
| 4s | 379 |
| 6s | 219 |
| 50s | 26 |
| 100s | 3 |
Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are strong contenders to secure Samson’s services.“The first name that comes to my mind is not CSK. KKR should be the most desperate team,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel. “KKR don’t have an Indian wicketkeeper-batter, and that just ties their hands behind their back. Secondly, what’s wrong if you get a captain? I am not denying that Ajinkya Rahane has captained well and has scored runs as well.”Chopra pointed to Rahane’s age and role limitations as reasons why KKR should look at Samson, despite their 2024 title win under Shreyas Iyer.“Ajinkya Rahane as a batter – either he opens or else the batting order has been a bit of a problem,” he added. “They have a player they can release as well. If they wish, they can release Venkatesh Iyer, free up nearly Rs 24 crore, and then they can actually make a difference.”Chopra also acknowledged CSK as a possible destination, with Samson potentially filling the void left by MS Dhoni in the long term. “They could look at a possible trade, maybe send R Ashwin back to Rajasthan, who need a spinner. He’s played there before and could fill a gap. So that’s not out of the question either,” Chopra said.Now 30, Samson began his IPL journey with KKR in 2012 before moving to Rajasthan Royals, where he eventually took over as captain. Recent shifts in RR’s squad strategy — including the release of Jos Buttler and increased focus on young Indian talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi — may have played a role in Samson’s decision to consider a fresh start.
