IPL 2026 season could witness one of its biggest pre-auction twists yet — Sanju Samson is reportedly all set to leave Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Despite a reshuffle in RR’s backroom staff, multiple reports suggest Samson has already informed the franchise of his decision to move on. Could he be heading back to Delhi Capitals (DC) — the team he once represented? Let’s break down all the major updates coming in live.
🕒 9:00 PM IST – Samson’s Exit From RR Looks Inevitable
Sources indicate that Sanju Samson has decided to part ways with Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
The wicketkeeper-batter, who captained RR for the past few seasons, is said to have written to the franchise months ago, expressing his wish to leave. Despite several internal changes, Samson seems determined to explore new opportunities.
🕒 8:30 PM IST – Washington Sundar To CSK?
Social media is buzzing with rumours that Washington Sundar could join Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
While there’s been no official confirmation from either franchise, fans believe Sundar could be the ideal replacement for R Ashwin in the Yellow Army.
🕒 8:00 PM IST – KL Rahul Trade Hits Roadblocks
A fresh report suggests that talks about KL Rahul’s move to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) haven’t made much progress.
Delhi Capitals reportedly presented three trade combinations to KKR, but nothing has materialised yet. For now, Rahul is expected to stay with DC for at least one more season.
🕒 7:30 PM IST – KL Rahul To KKR Rumours
Speculation continues around KL Rahul potentially joining KKR. The franchise needs both a captain and a wicketkeeper — roles Rahul fits perfectly, having previously led two IPL teams. With KKR looking for strong leadership, Rahul’s name keeps popping up.
🕒 7:00 PM IST – Samson’s Captaincy Record With RR
Sanju Samson took charge as Rajasthan Royals’ captain in IPL 2021.
Under his leadership, RR have won 33 and lost 32 of their 67 matches. He led the team to the IPL 2022 final, their first since 2008 — a significant milestone for the franchise.
🕒 6:30 PM IST – Samson’s Impact As RR’s Top Run-Getter
Samson remains RR’s all-time leading run-scorer with 4027 runs in 149 matches, including 2 centuries and 23 fifties.
He is the only RR player to cross the 3500-run mark in IPL history.
🕒 6:00 PM IST – How Rahul Dravid Discovered Samson
Back in 2013, it was Rahul Dravid who brought a young Sanju Samson to RR.
“It’s funny how life works out. Rahul sir spotted me during trials and asked if I could play for his team,” Samson recalled before IPL 2025.
🕒 5:30 PM IST – Samson’s Connection With Delhi Capitals
Not many remember that Samson played two IPL seasons with Delhi Capitals after being bought in the IPL 2016 auction.
Interestingly, Rahul Dravid — who first discovered him — was DC’s coach then, continuing their mentor-mentee bond from RR.
🕒 5:00 PM IST – Samson To Delhi Capitals Again?
Recent reports hint that Sanju Samson might make a comeback to Delhi Capitals after nine years.
The buzz suggests a potential trade involving Tristan Stubbs to RR, while DC already have KL Rahul and Axar Patel, who led them in IPL 2025.
🕒 4:30 PM IST – CSK Move Ruled Out
Earlier, there were whispers about Samson joining Chennai Super Kings, but those have been firmly denied.
With Ruturaj Gaikwad firmly in charge as captain, CSK are not expected to make any major leadership changes soon.
🕒 4:00 PM IST – Samson And Sangakkara: The RR Connection
Following Rahul Dravid’s exit, Kumar Sangakkara has continued leading RR’s coaching setup.
Samson’s elevation to captain came under Sangakkara’s guidance, and the Sri Lankan legend has always been seen as one of his biggest backers.
🕒 3:41 PM IST – RR’s Big Backroom Overhaul
Rajasthan Royals have undergone several staff changes in recent months, raising hopes that Samson might stay.
However, fresh reports indicate he still wants to move on, sparking intense trade discussions across franchises.
🕒 3:39 PM IST – Spotlight On Samson Ahead Of IPL 2026 Auction
As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, all eyes are on Sanju Samson.
Neither the player nor RR has officially confirmed his departure, but the rumours are growing louder by the day.
🕒 3:37 PM IST – IPL 2026 Mini-Auction Coming Soon
Welcome to our live coverage of IPL 2026 retained and released players.
The BCCI is expected to announce the auction date soon, with franchises getting at least a month to finalise their retention lists. Stay tuned as the trade drama unfolds!
Bottom Line:
Sanju Samson’s possible exit from Rajasthan Royals could trigger a major reshuffle across IPL teams. Whether he reunites with Delhi Capitals or joins another franchise — the next few weeks are set to bring plenty of drama before the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
