The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auctions could see a major shake-up, with the Rajasthan Royals facing a tricky situation over the future of their captain, Sanju Samson. According to reports, Samson has expressed his desire to part ways with the franchise, leaving Rajasthan in a delicate “release or trade” dilemma. The Royals now need to decide whether to let their skipper re-enter the auction pool or negotiate a trade with another franchise.

Last year, Rajasthan retained Samson ahead of the mega auctions, securing him on a three-year contract. IPL regulations, however, give the franchise full authority to hold a player until the contract expires, meaning Samson can only leave if Rajasthan agrees to release him. But insiders suggest that a continuation would require both sides to iron out certain differences that have emerged in recent months.

The situation has drawn serious interest from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are known for targeting experienced Indian players. In fact, after IPL 2024 concluded, Samson reportedly met CSK head coach Stephen Fleming and the management during the Major League Cricket season in the USA.

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Chennai are reportedly open to bringing the 30-year-old to Chepauk via a cash-based trade deal. However, negotiations have stalled, as Rajasthan are pushing for an exchange involving two players from Chennai—a proposition that doesn’t align with CSK’s usual trade strategy. Notably, when CSK bought Robin Uthappa from Rajasthan ahead of IPL 2021, it was also an all-cash transaction.

It’s not just Chennai in the race. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who are without a frontline Indian wicketkeeper, have also shown interest. Yet, Samson is believed to favour a move to Chennai, with whom he has been linked in the past. CSK even made an attempt to sign him last season, but talks failed to progress.

Sanju Samson has been the face of Rajasthan Royals from past so many seasons. He has led the franchise with great intent and integrity and it’s shocking that he now wants to leave RR.

While fans and media are busy speculating which franchise will he join now, the biggest… pic.twitter.com/rcXhNe7p45

— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) August 8, 2025

For Rajasthan, the decision is complex. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi as openers, plus Dhruv Jurel as a wicketkeeping option, the team already looks top-heavy. Letting go of Samson could free up resources to strengthen the middle and lower order. But having been a central figure for the Royals since 2013, releasing him would be an emotional and strategic challenge.

Those close to the matter believe the chances of Samson entering the IPL 2025 auction are high if Rajasthan and Chennai fail to reach common ground. A trade involving players remains difficult due to Samson’s high price tag of ₹18 crore, as most franchises already have marquee players at similar values.

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For Chennai, the outcome will dictate their pre-auction strategy. If Samson goes under the hammer, CSK may have to release a few players to make room in their purse for a big bid. With both sides holding firm, the cricket world now watches closely to see whether Samson remains a Royal, dons the yellow of CSK, or sparks a bidding war at the auctions.