Samson out, Cameron Green in: Potential IPL 2026 auction move that can work wonders for RR

Sanju Samson and Cameron Green [Source: AFP]

On Friday, a report from Cricbuzz revealed that the IPL franchises would have to submit their final list of retained players for the 2026 season by November 15. The same report also claimed that several high-profile players would be released, with swashbuckling Indian batter Sanju Samson making it into the list as one of the probables. 

Samson likely to be among RR's release probables

Sanju Samson missed five matches for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 due to a side strain. By the time he returned, RR had formed a destructive opening pair of Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal. So, when he made his comeback, Samson had to bat at number three, scoring 61 runs in the last two matches combined. 

Although there's no clarity if Samson will play for a different team in the IPL 2026, several reports have claimed that all is not well between him and RR, with the batter seeking an exit from the Rajasthan-based franchise. As the reports have claimed, Samson in unhappy with the Royals' management, asking them to either trade or release him ahead of the next season. 

Furthermore, considering RR have parted ways with most of their IPL 2025 coaches, including Rahul Dravid, it won't be surprising if they completely revamp their setup by removing Samson as their captain for the 2026 season. So, if Samson gets released, Cameron Green emerges as a top candidate to fill his shoes in the Royals' camp. 

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Cameron Green: A potential hot buy in IPL mini auction

What makes Cameron Green a player to watch out for in IPL auction?

Red-hot form

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has been unstoppable in international cricket after making his comeback from an injury layoff. In 2025, the dynamic right-handed batter has established himself as one of Australia's biggest weapons for the 2026 T20 World Cup, amassing 258 runs at an average of 43 and a strike rate of 168.6 in the shortest format. 

Overall IPL performance

(Cameron Green's IPL record)

Cameron Green is one of the rare overseas players who have nailed their role in the IPL from the word go. In his maiden IPL stint with Mumbai Indians, Green clobbered 452 runs at an average of 50.22 and a strike rate of 160.28. As evidenced by the above stats, he has racked up 707 runs while picking 16 wickets across 29 IPL appearances. 

How bringing Green for Samson can solve RR's multiple problems

Excellent record at 3 in T20s

(Samson vs Green at 3 in T20s)

• As the aforementioned stats suggest, Cameron Green has a better average and strike rate than Samson at three in T20 cricket. Mumbai Indians mostly used him at number three (on 10 out of 16 occasions), a move that paid rich dividends for the five-time champions in the IPL 2023. 
• So, given that he has actually done better than Samson at that position, Green can be a perfect fit at three for RR if they release the Indian keeper-batter. 

Proven all-round option

• Rajasthan Royals lacked an all-rounder of international experience in the IPL 2025. So, they heavily relied on specialist batters and bowlers, which made their overall combination weaker than their counterparts. 
• Although they had Wanindu Hasaranga, the Sri Lankan cricketer managed just nine runs across five innings, letting down his side massively with the bat. Cameron Green has already resumed bowling in the Sheffield Shield and is expected to be available as an all-rounder in the IPL 2026. 
• He was a valuable asset for RCB with the ball in IPL 2024, scalping 10 wickets at a healthy strike rate of 21.10. So, RR, a team that was primarily dependent on Jofra Archer to spearhead its pace attack, could benefit massively by signing Green for the IPL 2026. 

Conclusion: Green, a potential long-term option for RR in IPL

Thus, although Samson has been a proven match-winner for Rajasthan Royals, they can be least affected by his absence if they secure Cameron Green in the mini auction. Green's ability to score at a rapid pace makes him Samson's alternative at three, while his knack for chipping in with crucial breakthroughs can strengthen RR's core with a solid all-round option. 

According to reports, the Royals will likely release Samson, Hasaranga and Theekshana, a move that will add a whopping amount of INR 27.65 Crores to their purse. It will be more than sufficient to bring Green to their setup and retain the 26-year-old as their long-term allround option. 

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