Sanju Samson’s cricketing story has always been about quiet grit meeting the right people at the right moments. He still remembers the day in Andhra during a Duleep Trophy game when Suryakumar Yadav walked up to him with a promise – there were seven matches lined up, and Samson would open in all of them. Speaking to R Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Samson recalled how, for a batter, that sort of assurance from the captain meant the world. The start, though, was far from ideal. On a tour of Sri Lanka, he bagged ducks in both his first two games. The weight of missed opportunities began to creep in, until Gautam Gambhir – “Gauti bhai” to him – cut through the gloom. Gambhir asked what was wrong, heard the self-critical reply, and responded with a line Samson has never forgotten: “I’ll remove you from the team only if you score 21 ducks.” That faith would become fuel. In 2024, Samson finally delivered on the big stage, producing three T20I centuries in just five matches – one against Bangladesh at home and two against South Africa away – a record unmatched by any batter in a single calendar year. It was a season that justified the belief shown by his mentors. Yet even as his international stock soars, his IPL future is shrouded in uncertainty. Samson’s relationship with Rajasthan Royals, the franchise he has led and represented since 2013 (barring the suspension years), has soured.
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According to reports serious differences have emerged, leading the skipper to formally request a trade or release. Those close to him say he wants out, but under IPL rules, only the franchise can decide his fate. RR are exploring options, but a player of his calibre – valued at ₹18 crore – is not easy to move. Multiple teams, including Chennai Super Kings, have shown interest, yet no deal has come close. For now, the Royals hold the cards, but the bigger question looms: can a team truly thrive when its captain no longer wishes to be there? The coming weeks may define not just Samson’s IPL chapter, but also a franchise’s willingness to let go of one of its brightest stars.
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