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Sanju Samson looks all but set to part ways with Rajasthan Royals (RR) before IPL 2026. Multiple reports have confirmed that Samson wants to leave the franchise despite the changes in the backroom staff. Whether he gets traded to Chennai Super Kings or enters the IPL 2026 mini-auction remains to be seen. Samson first joined RR in 2013. He returned to the franchise in 2018. He has been leading RR since IPL 2021. As the fans wait for the IPL 2026 retention date, here we predict complete changes in Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026 - Sanju Samson joins CSK Sanju Samson could join CSK before the IPL 2026 mini-auction. While nothing is confirmed, Cricbuzz has hinted that the trade could take place. CSK need a long-term replacement for MS Dhoni and Samson can fill his shoes for many years. For now, Dhoni is confirmed to play IPL 2026. Samson, who first wrote to RR about leaving the franchise in August, still wants to move on despite the changes in the backroom staff. Dravid left RR after being offered a broader role following IPL 2025. Also Read: India vs Australia 5th T20I live updates Ravindra Jadeja returns to RR RR would want a well-established and popular player in exchange for Samson. And they might ask for Jadeja. The star all-rounder made his IPL debut for RR in 2008 and had a two-year stint with them. Jadeja is a 3-D player and the most experienced Indian all-rounder in IPL. Jadeja's addition to RR will be a big boost for them and they might not let go of the opportunity to sign the star all-rounder. Jadeja won 1 IPL title with RR. Yashasvi Jaiswal captain Yashasvi Jaiswal could be named the new RR captain if Samson leaves the franchise. Yashasvi is almost an all-format player for Team India and he could also become part of India's leadership group in the future. He has age on his side and can serve RR for more than a decade. Jaiswal could pip other competitors for captaincy if there's a change. Riyan Parag captained RR in Samson's absence in IPL 2025. Shimron Hetmyer released RR made a surprising call to retain Shimron Hetmyer for Rs 11 crore before the IPL 2025 mega-auction. The left-handed batsman had finished games for RR but they could have re-signed him for a lower amount. Hetmyer could get released along with a couple of other players. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Sports, Cricket and around the world.
