"He Will Stay In...": Ashwin Drops Bomb Amid Sanju Samson's RR Exit Talks

Soumyajit Dutta

Ashwin speaks on Sanju Samson [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Ashwin speaks on Sanju Samson [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Speculation surrounding Sanju Samson's future with the Rajasthan Royals has intensified ahead of the 2026 IPL season, with rumours suggesting the wicketkeeper-batter may seek a move away from the franchise he has long been associated with. 

The debate has now drawn in Indian spin legend and former teammate Ravichandran Ashwin, who has offered a decisive prediction on the matter. Ashwin's comments come at a time when franchise loyalties are being intensely scrutinized in the lead-up to major team reshuffles.

Ashwin's Firm Belief On Samson's Future

Speaking on his YouTube channel 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin addressed the growing speculation with a clear stance, though he admitted he hadn't directly consulted Samson about the matter.

"I have no idea till now. I will ask him. He will tell me. If he goes to the auction how do we know what will happen? I think after everything that happens he will stay in RR only," Ashwin remarked.

Ashwin Backs Samson's Emotional Connection

Ashwin's prediction is backed by Samson's own heartfelt comments about the franchise that gave him his breakthrough platform. In a recent podcast with Ashwin, the wicketkeeper had expressed what the franchise meant to him.

“Rajasthan Royals has meant the world to me. A small child coming from a village in Kerala, wanting to show his talent. And then Rahul (Dravid) sir and Manoj Badale sir gave me a stage to get up and show the world what I am made of," Samson said in the podcast.

Samson's Stellar Record With The Franchise

Sanju Samson began his journey in the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals in 2013. After a brief stint with Delhi Capitals in 2016, he returned to RR in 2018 and has remained their cornerstone player since.

Overall, Samson has played 11 seasons for them in the IPL.  In 149 matches, the right-hander has scored 4027 runs, averaging 31.71 with a strike-rate of 141.25, including two hundreds and 23 half-centuries.

As the IPL ecosystem braces for another mega auction, all eyes will be on whether the Royals' captain decides to stay with his long-time family or seeks a new challenge elsewhere.