Sanju Samson has reportedly handed a trade request to his franchise Rajasthan Royals, as he wants to part ways with the team ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season.
Samson, who has played for RR since his early days as a professional, wants to try out different options in the new season of the IPL and, as a result, wants to part ways with the Rajasthan-based side.
While RR are yet to confirm whether they would grant their captain's wish and let him leave the franchise ahead of the 19th season of the competition, it has been widely reportedly that Rajasthan are in touch with multiple teams in IPL, in a bid to negotiate a direct trade option.
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Samson has been closely linked with a move to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the next season, as many consider the wicket-keeper batter from Kerala to be a perfect long-term replacement for veteran keeper and former CSK captain MS Dhoni.
READ: 3 players in line to captain RR if Sanju leaves
RR prepare a three-man shortlist from CSK for Sanju Samson trade-off
According to Cricbuzz, while RR are in touch with multiple IPL teams, CSK seem to be a possible destination for Samson.
The report adds that RR have even prepared a short-list of CSK stars whom they would demand during negotiations with the Chennai-based side over a direct trade.
RR have asked for one of Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube in exchange if Samson goes the other way.
MORE: Sanju potential IPL 2026 trade: 3 teams who will be interested in star wicket-keeper
While none of the above-mentioned players are a direct replacement for Samson, who is a wicket-keeper, considering RR already have Dhruv Jurel in their ranks, the team are prioritising a senior T20 player in exchange for their experienced captain.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is a top-order batter and also the captain of CSK, could be a perfect like-for-like replacement for Samson.
The Crizbuzz report, however, also claims that CSK are yet to respond to RR's demands and they are refusing to 'budge'.
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