By Zainab Shafiq 
The Indian Premier League has been buzzing with speculation over the possibility of a Sanju Samson trade, even though no official confirmation has surfaced. The rumours, which began after Cricbuzz revealed the India wicketkeeper-batter had either requested a trade or a release, have gained fresh momentum as Rajasthan Royals reach out directly to multiple IPL franchises. Leading the talks himself, RR’s lead owner Manoj Badale has reportedly gone a step further, naming specific players from other squads he would want in return.
Inside sources say conversations are taking place at the highest level, with trade proposals moving back and forth. The whispers range from minor swaps to blockbuster exchanges, but clarity remains elusive. Some insiders even claim the Royals might already be close to finalising a deal.
Why Chennai may not be Samson’s next stop
Among the potential suitors, Chennai Super Kings have been the most talked-about name. However, a Sanju Samson trade to CSK appears to be a long shot at this stage. Reports indicate Rajasthan demanded either Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad, players Chennai’s management considers untouchable. Shivam Dube’s name also surfaced in discussions, but CSK are reluctant to part with the in-form all-rounder.
Unless both sides find common ground or Chennai makes a surprise move during the player auction, Samson in yellow is unlikely to materialise. That said, the market for Samson’s services is far from dry, several other franchises have shown keen interest, and some are believed to have held deeper talks with Rajasthan than Chennai ever did.
Trade rules mean that Samson’s fate is largely in the hands of the Royals. A player can request a move, but unless the franchise agrees, he stays put. Samson’s own motivations appear rooted in differences with RR management, one major flashpoint being the decision to let Jos Buttler go. “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 told Star Sports before last season.
Stay or go, the decision ahead
Despite the disagreements, Samson has never publicly criticised the Royals. In fact, in a podcast with R Ashwin, he called the RR setup “something that means the world to me” and praised young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who had taken his spot at the top of the order.
If a Sanju Samson trade is finalised before the auction window closes, it will end one of the IPL’s most intriguing off-field sagas in recent memory. If not, Royals fans may yet see their captain take guard in pink again, but the air of uncertainty is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Cricbuzz has sought a response from Manoj Badale, but none has been provided so far.
Anas Ahmed 
Manvindar Singh