Sanju Samson News / Is Samson leaving RR because of this player? What happened as soon as Dravid came?

Sanju Samson News: For some time now, a big news has been a topic of discussion in the cricket world. According to reports, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has made up his mind to part ways with the franchise before IPL 2026. If reports are to be believed, Samson has asked the Rajasthan Royals management to release him before the next season. However, no official decision has been taken by the team management and head coach Rahul Dravid on this matter yet. Meanwhile, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player S. Badrinath has made a big statement on this matter, in which he has cited young player Riyan Parag as the reason behind Samson's decision.

Badrinath's sensational statement

S. Badrinath spoke openly on this issue on his official YouTube channel. He said, "I think Riyan Parag may be the reason for Sanju Samson leaving Rajasthan Royals. If you are handing over the captaincy to Riyan, then how can an experienced and capable player like Samson stay in the team?" This statement of Badrinath raises many questions, especially when Rajasthan Royals handed over the captaincy to Riyan Parag in IPL 2025.

Why did Riyan Parag get the captaincy?

Sanju Samson's fitness troubled him in IPL 2025. During this, after Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team ended, he decided to join Rajasthan Royals again. When Samson got injured, Dravid handed over the captaincy to Riyan Parag. However, Samson returned as a full-time captain, but got injured again in a match against Delhi Capitals. After this, Riyan Parag was given the captaincy again. During this, 14-year-old young player Vaibhav Suryavanshi got a chance in place of Samson, who caught everyone's attention by scoring a century in 35 balls against Gujarat Titans.

Will CSK be Samson's next destination?

Many speculations are being made about Sanju Samson's future. Some reports have claimed that Chennai Super Kings can include Sanju Samson in their team. On this, Badrinath said, "If Samson comes to CSK, he can be selected as an alternative to MS Dhoni. Samson is a batsman who can bat in the top order (number three or four). He is not suitable for number five or six." However, he also added that CSK's playing XI already has strong batsmen like Ayush Mahatre, Rituraj Gaikwad and Dewald Brevis, due to which it can be challenging to fit Samson in the playing XI.

Badrinath also questioned whether CSK will make a big deal to get Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans, like Mumbai Indians did. If Samson joins CSK, many questions may arise about his role and place in the playing XI.

Sanju Samson's IPL performance

Sanju Samson's performance in IPL 2025 was not very special. He scored 285 runs in 9 matches at an average of 35.62, with his best score being 66 runs. However, talking about his overall IPL career, he has scored 4704 runs in 177 matches at a strike rate of 139.04. During this, he has scored three centuries and 26 half-centuries, with his best score being 119 runs. Samson's batting and wicketkeeping ability make him a big asset for any team.

What is the future of Samson's decision?

Sanju Samson's future with Rajasthan Royals is still uncertain. With Riyan Parag being handed the captaincy and the emergence of young players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, questions are being raised on Samson's position. If Samson leaves Rajasthan Royals, CSK can be a strong option for him, but even there he will have to work hard to make a place in the playing XI. On the other hand, any franchise would like to add an experienced and talented player like Samson.