The talks over Sanju Samson’s exit from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction have intensified as the franchise has approached for a trade aiming to clinch CSK’s Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad.
However, the five-time champions have rejected the Rajasthan Royals’ proposal to swap their captain for one of three players.
Days after it was reported that Sanju Samson had formally asked the Royals to release or trade him amid dispute in their relationship, franchise owner Manoj Badale has personally reached out to all nine other IPL teams, spearheading negotiations himself.
The fresh report claims Badale even floated specific player names in exhange for Sanju Samson and has come close to striking a deal.
Chennai were among the teams contacted with Badale seeking Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja or Shivam Dube.
However, the five time champions are unwilling to part with any of them, leaving the high-profile move from Jaipur to Chennai at a stalemate.
The reports adds it is unlikely Sanju Samson’s name will enter the auction as multiple franchises have already shown interest in signing him directly.
He could still remain at Rajasthan, since players have limited leverage in such situations, but tensions between two parties have reportedly grown over several issues, including the decisions 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,” said Sanju Samson.
Despite the media chatter, Sanju Samson has not opened on the situation, instead praising the franchise during a recent podcast with R Ashwin. He also spoke highly of Vaibhav Suryavanshi who replaced him at the top order of Rajasthan Royals.
