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Sanju Samson's Release Likely; Captaincy Options RR Could Target Through IPL Trade

Debashis Sarangi

Samson and Jos Buttler have played together for RR [Source: AFP]Samson and Jos Buttler have played together for RR [Source: AFP]

According to emerging reports, experienced Indian batter Sanju Samson is all set to leave the Rajasthan Royals camp and join a new team ahead of the IPL 2026. Although which side Samson will be a part of is still unclear, reports have claimed that CSK and KKR are the frontrunners in the race to secure his services during the trade window. 

Sanju Samson has been an integral part of the Royals' setup since joining them as a prodigy. Therefore, his base shift will undoubtedly leave a massive void in the inaugural champions' squad. 

Although Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag could be entrusted with leadership duties, it won't be surprising if RR brings a more renowned face instead of placing the leadership burden on the young shoulders. So, as the wave of a leadership change looms large over RR, here are three proven leaders from other franchises whom they might target during the trade window. 

Rishabh Pant - Lucknow Super Giants

IPL captaincy record: 57 matches, 29 wins, 27 losses, 1 tied

How could Rishabh Pant be an ideal replacement for Sanju Samson?

  • Rishabh Pant has been a proven skipper in the Indian Premier League, having led Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. The explosive keeper-batter even led DC to the playoffs in 2021 on his maiden stint as their captain. 
  • Despite having a tough time with the bat, Pant managed to secure six wins in eight matches in the IPL this season. The way he utilised limited resources amid injuries to LSG's frontline pacers earned him massive praise from critics. 
  • If Sanju Samson joins another team, RR will search for a wicketkeeper who can bat at number three or below. In such a scenario, Rishabh Pant perfectly fits the bill, and trusting his mature shoulders for the captaincy burden can certainly turn things around for the Royals. 

Ajinkya Rahane - Kolkata Knight Riders

IPL captaincy record: 38 matches, 14 wins, 23 losses, 1 NR

How could Ajinkya Rahane be an ideal replacement for Sanju Samson?

  • Ajinkya Rahane was one of Rajasthan Royals' go-to batters when the IPL was at its nascent stage. The veteran right-hander performed admirably as KKR's number three in the IPL 2025, amassing 390 runs at an average of 35.45 and a blistering strike rate of 147.73. 
  • Although Rahane doesn't have a prolific record as an IPL captain, his experience in leading teams at the domestic as well as international level can't be ignored. He led the Indian side to perfection after Virat Kohli left the Australia tour midway, powering them to a historic series triumph in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 
  • Rahane is undoubtedly a great thinker of the game, and his inclusion in RR will also empower them with a reliable number three batter to accompany the swashbuckling opening duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. 

Jos Buttler - Gujarat Titans

T20 captaincy record: 69 matches, 35 wins, 30 losses, 4 NR

How could Jos Buttler be an ideal replacement for Sanju Samson?

  • Jos Buttler has been a phenomenal performer in the Indian Premier League. Buttler, who has primarily played as a top-order batter, has amassed 4120 runs at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 149.38. 
  • Buttler brings flexibility and dynamism to the table, being a fearsome as well as dependable batter. He can bat anywhere in the top three and switch gears at will; therefore, his addition to the RR lineup could ensure quality and depth in their batting unit. 
  • Furthermore, Buttler has been one of the finest T20I captains for England, having led them to the T20 World Cup triumph in 2022. He is a complete package as a batter, wicketkeeper and captain; therefore, the Englishman can be a perfect replacement for Samson if RR manage to crack a deal with GT regarding his trade.