Samson vs Ishan IPL battle: Did SRH make the right call by reportedly rejecting RR captain

Did SRH make a mistake by rejecting Samson [Source: AFP Photo]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction is set to take place next month and trade talks for different players have already started to pick up pace. There were have been numerous trade rumours circulating, and there is one player who has hogged the entire limelight - Sanju Samson.

If multiple reports are to be believed, then Samson is unhappy with the Rajasthan Royals management and is looking for a way out. RR is also desperate to show him the exit door and have reportedly entered talks with CSK for a potential trade deal.

The franchise also offered Samson to multiple franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, but reportedly, the Orange Army rejected the player. SRH has Ishan Kishan in their ranks, and the franchise is happy with him as their long-term keeper. Did the former IPL champions make the right decision by rejecting Samson? Is keeping Kishan the right move?.

Samson vs Kishan: IPL overall stats

(Kishan, Samson in IPL)

• There is a considerable difference between the two batters in terms of matches played, but if we compare the strike rate, then Samson is just marginally ahead. T20 cricket is all about strike rate, and the RR captain just beats the SRH star.
• Last season, however, both Kishan and Samson had average seasons. While Kishan played all the games, but only scored 354 runs, but had a strike rate of 152.
• Meanwhile, Samson was injured for the majority of the season and scored 285 runs, but with a strike rate of just 140, well below Kishan.

What are the Pros of having Samson in SRH

Captaincy option: Pat Cummins had a decent season as SRH captain and the team failed to qualify for the playoffs. His captaincy was questionable, and this is where Samson comes into play. He led RR to the finals in 2022 season and has done well with the resources he was provided with. He could be a brilliant captaincy option for SRH.

Ishan Kishan doesn't provide captaincy option and in Samson, SRH will be getting a bonafide leader.

Brilliant record at number 3: He has played 94 matches at number 3 in IPL and has a brilliant record. The Kerala batter has amassed 3096 runs, with a strike rate of 143.33, and could be a viable Ishan Kishan replacement at that spot.

Kishan, on the other hand has played 22 matches and has racked up 532 runs, with a strike rate of 137.

What are the Pros of keeping Kishan over Samson in SRH

Understanding the SRH culture: Kishan has already played with SRH for one season and knows their setup inside out. Such things matter in IPL as a player feels comfortable if he already knows the team environment.

Less injury-prone than Samson: Kishan has had a couple of injuries, but he is less injury-prone as compared to Samson. The RR keeper-batter has a history of getting injured and this could hamper SRH’s plans if they buy him from RR.

Hence, the Orange Army might want to keep their trusted weapon, Kishan, who has already played for them. Plus, SRH might have to keep a chunk of money to buy/trade Samson since he was retained for 18 crores by RR. Instead, they could use the same amount of money to fill in the other loopholes.

Final verdict

While going after Samson was a tempting move for SRH, and might have benefitted them, but if we look at the broader picture, then there is not much difference between Samson and Kishan. Both have similar strike rates, and Kishan already understands the SRH culture, a trait which the IPL teams love to have.

Samson would have wanted had he moved to SRH, but perhaps the franchise will back Pat Cummins for one-more season, since he took them to the finals in 2024.

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