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Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is a hot property ahead of the IPL mini-auction, as several franchises have been in touch with Rajasthan Royals, hoping to crack a deal to bring the India cricketer into their fold. Samson has reportedly told RR of his desire to leave the team, thus bringing an end to his seven-year stint with the former IPL champions. A host of IPL teams, including Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, are or have been in negotiations with RR to trade Samson. According to timesofindia.com, Samson nearly joined his former franchise, DC, before a particular demand from RR derailed the deal for good. The two parties had reached an agreement to swap Samson for Tristan Stubbs before RR asked for uncapped Sameer Rizvi, a big-hitting batter from whom DC have high hopes. DC refused to part ways with Rizvi, and the negotiations came to an abrupt end. However, the report further adds that RR are now actively negotiating with Chennai Super Kings for a swap deal involving Samson and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. However, as per Cricbuzz, RR are also eyeing Dewald Brevis in addition to Jadeja, which could prove to be a deal-breaker. Brevis joined CSK midway through what was a nightmare of an IPL 2025 for the five-time champions but left a lasting impression. He came in as an injury replacement and scored 225 runs from six innings at a strike-rate of 180. RR owner Manoj Badale is said to be spearheading the negotiations with CSK. However, CSK are unwilling to add another player as part of the swap deal. CSK reportedly had discussions with Jadeja before opening the trade-talks with RR. Samson, who is RR captain, made the request following a series of differences, chief among which was the team’s decision to release Jos Buttler ahead of the IPL mega auctions last year. The 30-year-old has been quite vocal in his disappointment. “Letting him (Buttler) go has been one of the most challenging decisions for me. During the England series, I told him over dinner that I was still not over it. If I could change one thing in the IPL, I would change the rule of releasing players every three years,” Samson had said on Star Sports.
