Samson, who has been a key part of the Royals since the 2018 mega auction and has been their captain since 2021, has reportedly asked to be released from the franchise before the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. This follows reports of tensions between Samson and the RR management, especially after the team decided to release Jos Buttler ahead of the 2024 auction, a choice that did not sit well with the Kerala-born cricketer.
According to Cricbuzz, RR principal owner Manoj Badale has personally reached out to multiple franchises including CSK, Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The Royals have reportedly sent a formal communication to these teams expressing interest in acquiring Samson, who remains one of India’s most consistent white-ball players.
Royals owner Manoj Badale is in talks with other franchisees
However, the ongoing negotiations are for the Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja potential. Reports suggest that RR has demanded Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad in exchange for Samson. However, CSK’s management, led by CEO Kasi Viswanathan and head coach Stephen Fleming, have shown reluctance to part ways with one of their key players.
However, sources confirm that CSK has once again tied up with RR to explore the possibilities of bringing Samson to Chennai. The franchise is reportedly weighing multiple options as they prepare for their retention meeting on November 10 and 11, which will include inputs from MS Dhoni, Gaikwad and Fleming. It is believed that Samson’s potential arrival could be discussed at this meeting before CSK finalizes its retention list on November 15, ahead of the IPL 2026 mega-auction in December.
While Jadeja’s name remains a hot topic in these discussions, Shivam Dube has also been mentioned as part of preliminary discussions. However, Chennai are on the verge of rejecting the idea of releasing Dube as they see him as a crucial part of their T20 line-up in the long term.
Meanwhile, Royals owner Manoj Badale, who is currently in Mumbai, continues to hold meetings with other franchises. Delhi Capitals have also shown interest, although RR’s reported demand for Tristan Stubbs plus an uncapped Indian player has complicated negotiations.
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