Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes Riyan Parag is the main reason behind Sanju Samson’s possible exit from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026. Samson reportedly asked the Royals management to release him before the next IPL season. The franchise and head coach Rahul Dravid have yet to make a final decision.
During IPL 2025, Samson started as an impact sub due to lack of wicketkeeping clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Riyan Parag captained the team during this phase. When Samson returned as full-time captain, he suffered a side strain against Delhi Capitals, allowing Parag to captain again.
Amid this captaincy saga, rumors of a rift between Samson and coach Dravid surfaced. However, Dravid denied these claims mid-season.
Samson’s injury also gave a chance to 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who impressed by smashing the fastest century by an Indian in IPL history. With the Royals’ opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryavanshi settling in, Samson’s spot remains uncertain.
Badrinath said on his YouTube channel, “I feel Riyan Parag is the reason. If you consider him for captaincy, how do you expect someone like Samson to stay?”
Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings?
There are strong rumors that Sanju Samson could join Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who want the wicketkeeper-batter to replace MS Dhoni.
Badrinath added, “If Sanju Samson does come to CSK, then he could be the like-for-like replacement for MS Dhoni. Samson is a batter who can bat in the top three or four spots in the batting order. He is not someone who could fit in the number five or six spot in the playing XI. CSK are strong in those areas of the playing XI. Mhatre is settled, Gaikwad is settled, Brevis is settled.”
He further said, “I am not sure if CSK would do a transaction like MI did to get Hardik Pandya from GT. So even if Sanju Samson comes in, the question remains whether CSK can fit him into the playing XI.”
The uncertainty over Samson’s future with Rajasthan Royals adds a new twist to the IPL 2026 transfer saga. Fans will be watching closely if the Royals release their former captain and if CSK finally make their move.
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