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After CSK's Rejection, RR Captain Sanju Samson In Advance Talks With KKR: Report

Akshita Patel

New franchise approached to trade for Sanju Samson [Source: @KnightsVibe, @KkrKaravan/X.com]New franchise approached to trade for Sanju Samson [Source: @KnightsVibe, @KkrKaravan/X.com]

In what could be one of the most talked-about trades ahead of IPL 2026, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are reportedly in advanced discussions to send their captain, Sanju Samson, to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The talks, according to reports, are moving quickly, with both player-swap and cash deal options on the table.

Samson has been in the headlines for a while now, as he is reportedly seeking a release from RR, a franchise he served for more than a decade. 

In IPL 2025, he was retained for a whopping ₹18 crore salary. However, the return of Rahul Dravid as head coach led to a clash over mega auction strategy, thus igniting rumours of a severe rift.

Sanju Samson Exploring KKR Route After CSK’s Rejection

To add fuel to the rumours, The Telegraph has reported that the Rajasthan Royals have approached the Kolkata Knight Riders for a trade proposal involving Sanju Samson. 

RR are said to be targeting a quality spinner in return. However, KKR are unlikely to part ways with their spin stars Sunil Narine or Varun Chakravarthy. 

Alternatively, talented young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi or all-rounder Ramandeep Singh may be included in the exchange, as KKR seek to strengthen their upper order and gain an able wicketkeeper. A cash-only deal is also a possibility if no suitable player swap is agreed upon. 

KKR, owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, see Samson as not only a batting asset but also a leadership option, especially if they part ways with Ajinkya Rahane. His arrival could significantly strengthen their batting lineup ahead of the mega auction.

Adding more spice to the story, KKR are also reportedly interested in luring RR’s current Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, to their setup, following the exit of head coach Chandrakant Pandit earlier this month.

CSK Earlier Rejected RR's Trade Proposal

Interestingly, this comes after Sanju Samson had reportedly approached the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the Major League Cricket season in the US in June. CSK were keen to bring him in but allegedly refused to trade key players like Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad, causing those talks to collapse.