Sanju Samson Out, Ashwin-Dube In: Reasons This Could Be Disastrous For RR

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Sanju Samson and MS Dhoni [@vijaysujal2005/x.com]Sanju Samson and MS Dhoni [@vijaysujal2005/x.com]

The rumoured trade involving Sanju Samson moving to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravichandran Ashwin and Shivam Dube has sent shockwaves through the IPL fan community. While the swap appears financially favourable for Rajasthan Royals on paper—receiving players worth ₹21.75 crore for Samson's ₹18 crore valuation—this deal could prove catastrophic for the franchise's future.

1. Losing Their Franchise Icon

Sanju Samson isn't just another player for Rajasthan Royals—he is the embodiment of the  franchise. Since becoming captain in 2021, Samson has led the team to 33 victories against 32 defeats. His leadership guided RR to the IPL 2022 final—their first in 14 years.

Trading away their emotional leader and best performer would create a massive void. RR would essentially pay ₹3.75 crore extra to lose their most valuable asset.

2. Questionable Return On Aging Players

Ravichandran Ashwin rejoined CSK in 2025 but had limited impact, taking only 7 wickets in 9 matches. At 38, his best years are clearly behind him.

While Shivam Dube scored 357 runs last season, the impact left by him was not consistent. Both players are approaching career twilight. This trade represents short-term thinking rather than sustainable team building.

RR desperately needs young, hungry talent—not aging stars looking for final paydays.

3. Terrible Timing After Poor Season

RR finished 9th out of 10 teams in 2025, winning only 4 matches. Instead of addressing core issues like bowling depth and team balance, they're considering trading their most reliable performer.

Samson missed games due to injury but still maintained a 35.62 average with a 140.39 strike rate. Reports of rifts with coach Rahul Dravid suggest management problems that require internal solutions, not player trades.

The emergence of Vaibhav Suryavanshi already pushed Samson to No.3. Trading him away would completely destabilise the team structure.

The Bottom Line

Rajasthan Royals risk making a decision they'll regret for years. Trading their franchise icon for aging assets represents poor planning that could destroy their championship hopes. RR should build around Samson, not abandon him.