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Sanju Samson To Go Into IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: What Are Different Possibilities Of His Future

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Sanju Samson for RR [Source: AFP Media]Sanju Samson for RR [Source: AFP Media]

The IPL trade window is currently open, and the player getting the most traction is Sanju Samson. From CSK interested in trading him, to the player requesting RR a trade move to KKR becoming the possible contenders for securing him, speculations and rumours have been plenty around this.

However, what has hindered this move is the inflated valuations by the inaugural IPL champions. The Royals have made audacious demands to both CSK and KKR, and this could end up backfiring for them. With time passing by, RR's negotiating position is weakening daily. Here are the five most probable ends to this Sanju Samson trade saga. 

1. The KKR Compromise (40% Probability)

RR were reportedly in final-stage talks with KKR; however, reports claimed that the IPL 2024 champions were particularly not ready to give up Indian youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi for KKR [Source: AFP Media]Angkrish Raghuvanshi for KKR [Source: AFP Media]

The fact of the matter is that KKR are in desperate need of an Indian wicketkeeper batter after the failure of Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top in IPL 2025. This desperation from KKR and Samson's unwillingness to further play for RR opens the window for a realistic compromise from both parties.

According to reports, along with Raghuvanshi, RR also demanded Ramandeep Singh, and it could be that KKR offers the Indian all-rounder and a substantial cash amount as compensation for Samson.

2. The Auction Release (30% Probability)

The Jos Buttler release by RR ahead of IPL 2025 was a shocker for everyone. Rumours are there that the franchise took the unpopular decision despite requests from their captain.

This could be the scene once more. The fact that Samson does not want to play for RR anymore will give rise to a toxic dressing room environment if he is forced to play for them in the end.

So, it's possible that Samson gets released and goes under the hammer during the IPL 2026 mini-auction. This would allow Samson to estimate his current market value, add ₹18 Cr to the auction budget of the Royals and also give them the chance to build a younger squad around someone else — a win-win situation for all. 

3. The Unwilling Retention (20% Probability)

A RR source was reportedly heard saying, "There is no question of releasing Samson." This somewhere reveals an institutional stubbornness in the administration of the franchise.

Going to the root of this root between Samson and the franchise lies in the release of Buttler ahead of IPL 2025. Thus, retaining a disgruntled captain might in turn invite deteriorating performance dynamics and squad morale issues. Although there is a chance of this happening, it would be pragmatic for the Royals administration to release Samson.

4. The Last-Minute CSK Revival (8% Probability)

The demands of RR forced CSK out of the deal. However, it is clear that the five time IPL champions see a potential MS Dhoni-successor in Sanju and hence might come back in the agreement.

Instead of offering one of their core players, CSK could offer an all-cash deal to RR, or they could also look to let go of one of those demands of RR, given how desperately they seek the Kerala-born wicketkeeper. However, the Super Kings are known to keep their core intact, and hence, there is very little chance of this happening.

5. The Three-Way Trade (2% Probability)

The Hardik Pandya-Cameron Green deal ahead of IPL 2024 was somewhat a three-way trade. No reports or rumours yet claim that kind of possibility in the Samson case. However, desperate situations might see multiple parties getting involved in this most-talked-about trade move ahead of IPL 2026.