IPL 2026: Sanju Samson set to stay with Rajasthan Royals

Earlier, there were reports that star cricketer Sanju Samson would make an exit from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the upcoming 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). A few talks across several media outlets reported that five-time champions Chennai Super Kings were ready to onboard Samson as their latest addition, since MS Dhoni's stay remained in ambiguity.

Another report said that Samson might move his base from RR to Kolkata Knight Riders, and join the side as captain ahead of the next season. However, if the latest developments are to be believed, Samson is not going anywhere, and will retain his captaincy position with the 2008 champions. A source close to the development confirmed the same, saying that Samson is still a part of the franchise and the go-to captain as well.

"RR have decided not to trade Samson or any of their players for now. Samson is very much a part of the Royals set-up and the undisputed captain of the team," the source was quoted as saying in a report by The Times of India. 

Samson's relationship with RR

The 30-year-old shares a bond with Rajasthan Royals that goes beyond a decade. The Thiruvananthapuram-born first played for RR in 2013, and has been with them ever since barring the 2016 and 2017 seasons, as the side was facing a two-year ban for infamous reasons. He has scored more than 4000 runs for the side over the years, becoming one of their most successful players of all time.

A look at Samson's IPL 2025

The previous season the cash-rich tournament did not turn out as expected for the Kerala-born. He was injured for the first three games for RR due to a finger fracture, and in his absence the side was captained by star all-rounder Riyan Parag. Samson played only nine games in the season, aggregating 285 runs with only one half-century. His team did not have the best of the season either. as they finished ninth on the points table with only four wins throughout the league stage.