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Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson is reportedly seeking to leave the franchise, but fans are still wondering about the reason behind star wicketkeeper's decision. After a disappointing 2025 season where the team finished ninth, Samson, who was retained for Rs 18 crore, played nine matches and scored 285 runs with one half-century. According to a recent report from Cricbuzz, he has formally requested to be either traded or released into the upcoming mega-auction.
Jos Buttler's release triggered Sanju Samson's decision to leave RR?
The report further suggests a growing rift between Samson and the Rajasthan Royals management. One of the main points of contention is believed to be the team's decision to release former England white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Buttler, a key player for the Royals, was not retained by the franchise for the IPL 2025 mega-auction, despite having scored an impressive 3055 runs in 83 matches over seven seasons with the team.
“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," Samson had told Star Sports before last IPL season.
After being released by the Royals, Jos Buttler was picked up by the Gujarat Titans for Rs 15.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction. In his first season with the new team, Buttler played 14 matches and scored 538 runs under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.
Meanwhile, RR are reportedly looking to trade Sanju Samson before the IPL 2026 auction. According to the same Cricbuzz report, the team has reached out to several other franchises to gauge their interest in a potential trade. The Royals are said to be interested in acquiring either Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad.
"With the letters sent directly to franchise owners, details have largely stayed under wraps. However, it is learnt that a potential trade with the Chennai Super Kings - widely speculated in recent days - could be a long shot, as the Royals are believed to have asked for either Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad, both deal-breaking terms that the Super Kings are not ready to entertain," the report said.
"Shivam Dube's name has also cropped up in some quarters, but Chennai are unwilling to part with the India all-rounder either. In fact, CSK officials and management are said to be reluctant to release any of their players. As of mid-August, the much-anticipated move of Samson from Jaipur to Chennai appears a non-starter - unless the Super Kings manage to secure him through extended negotiations or buy him in the auction," the report added.
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