With the IPL trade window just around the corner, one name that has been making the rounds is that of the wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson. Samson has been the centre of all the talks surrounding the IPL trade window.
Samson has been one of the most consistent performers in the league. In 177 matches, the batter has scored 4704 runs at an average of 31, and his cool-headed leadership increases his value multi-fold.
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According to reports, Samson has requested that the Rajasthan Royals release him ahead of the IPL auction, which has now added fuel to the speculation. While RR will try to hold on to their skipper, a high-profile trade is still on the cards.
The Sporting News takes a look at the three franchises that would be keen to draft in Sanju Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction.
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Teams Potentially Interested in Sanju Samson Before IPL 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders
Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders would be desperate to draft in Sanju Samson. KKR currently does not have an experienced Indian wicket-keeper.
Quinton De Cock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Luvnith Sisodia were the options the side had last season, but they failed to reap fruitful rewards. An Indian wicket-keeper would help the side with greater flexibility and allow them to play an additional foreign bowling option.
Moreover, Samson would provide the franchise with a captaincy option. Ajinkya Rahane led KKR in the IPL 2025.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings, the five-time IPL champions, would be looking to prepare for the post-Dhoni era. CSK's former skipper and legend MS Dhoni, is towards the fag end of his career, and Samson could well be a perfect fit to replace him at CSK.
Apart from Dhoni, CSK lacks experienced wicket-keeping options. They brought in Urvil Patel as a replacement last year and also have Vansh Bedi in the squad as wicket-keeper, but the side would be looking to draft in someone with more experience.
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Sanju not only provides a wicket-keeping option, but also brings in a lot of experience and a calm personality, much like the CSK setup would want.
However, CSK might have to take some bold trade calls to land the RR skipper. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was ruled out of IPL 2025 mid-season due to an elbow injury, is expected to be back in charge for the Super Kings next season.
Sanju Samson to Mumbai Indians?
Like KKR and CSK, Mumbai Indians might also look to draft in Samson. The five-time IPL-winning franchise lacks an experienced Indian wicket-keeper batter.
Ryan Rickleton featured as MI's wicket-keeper in the IPL 2025, while the side also had the services of young Indian keepers such as Robin Minz and K Shrijith. If MI managed to pull in Samson, it would add a whole new dimension to an already star-studded lineup.
Samson, along with Rohit, would provide MI with one of the most destructive opening pairs and would help the side to set up a strong base for batters such as Surya, Tilak, and skipper Hardik Pandya