Sanju Samson Seeks Release from RR Before IPL 2026 Auction

In what could be one of the biggest moves before IPL 2026 auction, Sanju Samson has reportedly asked to be released from the Rajasthan Royals. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju has been a key part of the franchise for several years, serving as captain since 2021. If he has indeed asked to be released from his current contract with the Royals, it would not only be the end of a long term relationship within RR, but could also change the whole dynamic of how they go into the next season.

Sanju Samson to Leave Rajasthan Royals

Samson has been a consistent performer for the Rajasthan Royals, having led them to the IPL 2022 final and keeping them competitive in the ensuing seasons. His calm temperament as a leader and aggressive batting responsibilities had made him a crowd favorite, and his position in RR's plans seemed solid. A request for release suggests that he has shifted some sort of priority—personal or professional.

While there has been no official announcement from either Samson or the franchise, speculation is everywhere. Some reports suggest the player is looking for a new challenge or perhaps a leading role elsewhere. Some reports claim internal issues or disagreements about strategy with the RR management team.

If Rajasthan Royals agrees to release him, it is almost guaranteed that he will be one of the biggest talents in that auction pool. He will most likely get a lot of interest from a lot of franchises. His availability could create one of the largest bidding frenzies in the history for franchises. However, RR would be rebuilding its leadership core and batting structure without its star captain and leader.