Top 3 Teams That are Likely to Secure Sanju Samson For IPL 2026

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been one of the most consistent Indian players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the past few years. As a key figure for Rajasthan Royals (RR), he has led the team for a long time and has been their top-order mainstay for several reasons. Known for his stylish stroke play and ability to anchor as well as accelerate the innings, Samson has delivered multiple match-winning performances for RR.

He also played a big role in RR’s journey to the finale in IPL 2022, helping the team to be recognised as serious contenders in the league. In IPL 2025, Samson continued to perform with the bat, but was out of the playing XI because of injuries. As a result, RR failed to make it to the final, which seems to have led to some tensions behind the scenes of the franchise.

Sanju Samson to Leave Rajasthan Royals

According to recent developments, Samson is unhappy with his role in the franchise and is now seeking to move on. Various sources suggest that the star wicketkeeper-batter wants to be released by the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 season. It could be a big moment in his career and in the IPL as well.

With many franchises having already expressed their interest in trading for him, looking at the current scenario and reports from various sources, Samson could become one of the biggest names to be part of the pre-auction move. While are possible suitors are known, his next franchise remains to be unknown.

Which Teams Can Secure Sanju Samson for IPL 2026?

If Sanju Samson Rajasthan Royals career is over, several teams are expected to line up for his services. Among them, three franchises stand out due to their squad structure and future planning.

1. Chennai Super Kings: One likely team to secure Sanju Samson is CSK, who could be looking for a long-term replacement for MS Dhoni, who is one of the most successful captains in the league. With Dhoni’s retirement possibly soon, the team would benefit from bringing in an experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter. Samson fits that profile perfectly. He can not only keep wickets but also provide stability in the top order, something that Chennai Super Kings missed this season.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders: Another strong contender could be Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which is one of the best teams in IPL. The three-time champions might look at Samson as a potential top-order batter and leadership option. With uncertainty around some of their domestic batting options and captaincy moving forward, Samson could offer both skill and experience. He might replace someone from Venkatesh Iyer or Rahmanullah Gurbaz, giving KKR a set tone.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad: The third possible team could be Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). While SRH has a good set of overseas batters, they lack a consistent Indian presence in the top three of the playing XI. Samson could fill that gap and help balance the lineup, especially with the possibility of moving from some of their current domestic names. His ability to play spin well and keep the scoreboard ticking makes him a valuable pick for any team building for the long term and building the future squad.

These three franchises not only have the squad gaps but also the purse strength and strategic need to go after a player like Sanju Samson if he becomes available. It remains to be seen where Sanju Samson IPL career goes next after RR. He has been an impactful IPL player over the years and is also a key part of India's T20I team.

IPL 2026 Trading Rules

The IPL permits player trades before the auction window, either directly or with financial adjustments. All trades must be pre-approved by both franchises and the IPL Governing Council. Pre-auction trade window is seen as an opportunity for teams to reshuffle their squads before heading into another season.

In this case, Sanju Samson has asked to be released by the Rajasthan Royals, putting the franchise in a tough spot; they can either trade him for value or retain him and risk more internal issues within the franchise. While the player wants to move on and several teams are showing interest, the outcome will depend on how negotiations unfold during the trade window.

Whether he gets the release he wants and which team he ends up joining will be among the most anticipated stories ahead of the IPL 2026. It will be interesting to see which jersey the batter wears next season.