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"Emotionally drained": RR owner explains why Sanju Samson walked out of team to join CSK

Akshita Patel

RR owner sheds light on Samson's trade [Source: @SanjuSamsonFP, @thesuperroyal/X.com]RR owner sheds light on Samson's trade [Source: @SanjuSamsonFP, @thesuperroyal/X.com]

Sanju Samson was traded to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moved to RR in a blockbuster swap ahead of IPL 2026. RR owner Manoj Badale has now revealed the real reason behind Samson’s decision to walk away after nearly 14 years with the franchise. 

Sanju’s association with RR began in 2013. He played until 2015, moved to the Delhi Capitals for two seasons, and then returned to Rajasthan in 2018. 

Since then, he grew into one of the franchise’s biggest icons and eventually became captain. 

Sanju Samson was emotionally broken at RR

Meanwhile, after the blockbuster trade materialised, Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale broke the silence. 

In a video posted by the franchise on social media, he revealed that Sanju Samson first expressed his desire to leave towards the end of the IPL 2025 season, specifically after a match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. 

"The first time this year or in the past year that Sanju talked about moving on was probably in Kolkata towards the end of the season. We had a meeting after the game. He's a very honest guy, and he was personally, emotionally drained. He cares a huge amount about RR, and I think having our worst season in 18 years took a lot out of him," Badale said.

The RR owner explained that Samson was going through a period of extreme physical and emotional exhaustion. 

"I think he just felt that, having given the best part of 14 years with a break to RR, he wanted just a new chapter to refresh the end of his journey with the IPL. In the case of Sanju, when he made the request, I think it felt different for us," he added.

As captain and senior batter, he carried huge responsibility during what turned out to be the franchise’s worst season in 18 years. The pressure and disappointment took a toll on him.

Badale said Sanju Samson was honest and open about his feelings. During a post-match meeting in Kolkata, he admitted he felt “emotionally drained” and needed a fresh start. 

"A, because he's a very authentic man, and if he says something, he generally means it. He's been an extraordinary servant of the franchise for 14 years. It's not just the batting that the fans see or the sixes that the fans see; it's everything else he's put into it."

After giving nearly 14 years to the team, across two long stints, Sanju felt it was time to begin a new chapter elsewhere.

Manoj Badale squashes rumours of instability 

There has been chatter on social media suggesting the Rajasthan Royals are in turmoil, especially with big names like Sanju Samson and Rahul Dravid leaving. 

But Manoj Badale dismissed these rumours, saying everything is calm within the franchise. He added that RR followed a planned process when considering trade options, and decisions were made collectively, not emotionally.

"While there's been a sort of media narrative of Rajasthan Royals are in chaos, people leaving, Rahul leaving, the reality is that's not how it's felt internally. Internally, we committed to a process and a timeline. We're maybe one week later than we hope to be, or maybe two weeks later, but it all feels very calm here."

As Sanju Samson begins a new chapter with CSK, RR fans have something to cheer about as Ravindra Jadeja will join them for the IPL 2026 season.