IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals Face Trade Interest for Sanju Samson and Other Key Players

The IPL trading window opened on June 4 and will stay open until a week before the 2026 auction. After the auction, the window reopens, closing a month before the next season starts. However, the early trading period has sparked discussions, with teams eyeing significant player moves to reshape their squads for 2026.

Trade types include player swaps at equal value, swaps where the team with the higher-valued player gets the difference, or cash-only deals to boost a franchise’s auction purse.

Rajasthan Royals’ Trade Interest

Rajasthan Royals could be reassessing their team lineup for the 2026 IPL, with at least six players drawing trade interest from other franchises. While RR has not disclosed any names, their long-serving captain Sanju Samson is likely to be a prime target for trades. Social media activity, including a post liked by Samson’s manager, has fueled speculation about a potential move to Chennai Super Kings. It remains unclear if Samson and RR will agree to part ways, but the Royals have a strong alternative in Dhruv Jurel within their squad.

A potential trade could see Rajasthan Royals exchanging players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Shivam Dube, valued at ₹21.75 crore, for Samson’s ₹18 crore, with RR covering the ₹3.75 crore difference.

"Multiple franchises have approached us for six of our players, and we’ve reached out to others for options," an anonymous Royals source told PTI. "Trades aim to strengthen teams, and RR is no exception. Owners frequently discuss potential deals," the source noted.

Samson’s Future and Leadership Options

Samson has been central to RR for years, but with Riyan Parag emerging as a leadership candidate, it’s uncertain if the Kerala batter will seek new opportunities. Riyan led RR last season during Samson’s injury, raising eyebrows as he was picked over Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose record outshines the Assam player. However, with RR’s second base in Guwahati, Riyan bolsters their regional fanbase. RR’s preference for Riyan as a potential full-time captain could prompt Samson to consider trade offers elsewhere.

Teams Seeking Wicket-Keeper Batters

Two franchises, in particular, are seeking a reliable wicket-keeper batter. Chennai Super Kings, with their iconic player Mahendra Singh Dhoni nearing 45 by the next IPL, might be exploring replacements. Kolkata Knight Riders, another team, may not rely heavily on Quinton de Kock or Rahmanullah Gurbaz for the entire tournament.

CSK aims to replace Devon Conway with a top-order wicket-keeper like Samson, while KKR may pursue him if he enters the auction. Reportedly CSK has shown interest in Samson for his dual role as a batter and wicket-keeper, though formal negotiations are yet to progress.

Despite several attempts to contact CSK CEO Kashi Viswanathan, no response was received, and RR sources also remained tight-lipped about any trade discussions.