Amid growing trade rumours ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction, Sanju Samson’s long-standing association with the Rajasthan Royals could be nearing its end. A part of the Royals setup since 2013 and their captain since 2021, Samson has been a key figure in the franchise’s journey over the past decade. One of the most consistent performers in the IPL, the Kerala-born batter has amassed over 4000 runs in the tournament and is among a select few with three centuries to his name. In his first season as captain in 2021, Samson scored 484 runs, including a memorable 63-ball 119 against Punjab Kings in his captaincy debut. He followed it up in 2022 with another strong campaign, scoring more than 400 runs and leading the Royals to their second IPL final. The 2024 season was a personal high point, with Samson racking up 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47. Over the years, his IPL performances have also translated into a more regular place in India’s white-ball squads. After making his T20I debut in 2015 and ODI debut in 2021, Samson had a breakthrough year in 2024. He smashed three T20I hundreds in the span of five matches, one at home against Bangladesh and two on tour in South Africa. No other batter has scored more T20I centuries in a single calendar year.
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If Sanju Samson leaves Rajasthan Royals, which team should he join?
Samson has spent nearly his entire IPL career with the Royals, except for the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the franchise was suspended. During that period, he played for the Delhi Capitals. In the most recent IPL season, Samson featured in nine matches before being ruled out mid-tournament due to injury. He scored 285 runs at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.00. Notably, he did not captain the side in all nine matches. A thumb injury meant he played purely as a batter in the first three games, with Riyan Parag leading the team in his absence. Samson returned to captain before another injury during a match against Delhi Capitals forced him out again, with Parag stepping in as skipper once more. Since making his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2013 at the age of 18, Samson has represented the team in 11 seasons, more than any other player. He has featured in 149 matches for the franchise and leads their all-time run-scoring charts with 4027 runs from 144 innings at an average of 31.70 and a strike rate of 141.24. He also holds the record for most 50-plus scores for the Royals, having registered 27 such knocks, including two centuries and 25 fifties.
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