Is KKR the Most Desperate Team for Samson's Exit from Rajasthan Royals?

New Delhi, Aug 8 (NationPress) Sanju Samson’s long-term connection with the Rajasthan Royals appears to be approaching its conclusion. Following an inconsistent IPL 2025 season, reports indicate that the Kerala batsman has officially expressed his wish to leave the franchise, creating ripples in the transfer market ahead of the mega auction.

Sources suggest that Samson has communicated his intention to the Jaipur-based franchise to seek opportunities elsewhere, potentially signaling the end of a nearly decade-long IPL journey.

While there has been speculation about a potential move to the Chennai Super Kings, especially after his interaction with CSK head coach Stephen Fleming during the MLC season in the U.S., former India opener Aakash Chopra believes another team is even more eager to secure the Rajasthan captain.

“The first team that comes to mind isn’t CSK. KKR should be the most desperate team,” Chopra stated on his YouTube channel. “KKR lacks an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, which restricts their options. Additionally, acquiring a captain is beneficial. I acknowledge that Ajinkya Rahane has performed well as captain and scored runs.”

Chopra highlighted Ajinkya Rahane’s limitations in batting and his age as significant reasons for KKR to seriously consider Samson. Despite KKR's success in 2024 under Shreyas Iyer, Chopra argues that the team lacks batting depth and flexibility in the wicketkeeper position—an area where Samson could provide immediate enhancement.

“Ajinkya Rahane as a batter—either he opens or the batting order has been a challenge,” Chopra noted. “They have a player they can let go as well. If they choose, they can release Venkatesh Iyer, freeing up nearly Rs 24 crore, which could significantly impact their roster.”

The 30-year-old Samson commenced his IPL career with KKR in 2012 before gaining prominence with the Rajasthan Royals, where he eventually took on the role of captain. However, recent changes in RR's squad strategy ahead of the 2025 mega auction may have triggered his decision to move on. Notably, the team parted ways with England's Jos Buttler and opted to strengthen their Indian core by promoting emerging domestic talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and breakout star Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Chopra suggested that this strategic shift might have constrained Samson’s role and influenced his decision to leave.

“Why would Sanju Samson wish to depart? It’s intriguing because, during the last mega auction, they released Jos Buttler, and I sensed they did so because Yashasvi had emerged and Sanju wanted to open. Sanju and Rajasthan Royals had a strong connection,” Chopra observed.

“I believed Sanju had significant input regarding the players they retained or released. However, it now appears that may not be the case. With Vaibhav Suryavanshi ready, two openers are already in place, and there’s a desire to elevate Dhruv Jurel in the batting order. Thus, if Sanju is contemplating leaving, it’s plausible. These are speculations. I can’t predict what’s going on in his or Rajasthan’s minds.”