In a stunning revelation that shifts the entire narrative around one of the IPL’s biggest-ever trades, Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale has disclosed that it was Sanju Samson who personally requested a move away from the franchise, leading to his historic transfer to the Chennai Super Kings.
Contrary to initial speculation that the Royals had decided to part ways with their captain, Badale’s comments confirm that the breakup was player-driven. According to the owner, Samson was seeking a “fresh chapter” after an emotionally exhausting 2025 season.
The Emotional Toll of a Tough Season
The request came following one of the Royals’ worst campaigns in 18 years. Badale revealed that the first indication of Samson’s desire to leave came during a meeting in Kolkata towards the end of the season.
“He was personally emotionally drained,” Badale stated, highlighting the captain’s deep investment in the team. “Sanju cares a huge amount about RR, and the season took a lot out of him. He felt that after giving the best part of 14 years to the franchise, he needed a new chapter to refresh the end of his IPL journey.”
A Painful but Respectful Parting
For the Royals management, agreeing to the trade was a difficult decision. Badale admitted that letting a long-serving captain go is never easy, drawing parallels to the franchise’s painful goodbyes to legends like Shane Watson, Rahul Dravid, and Jos Buttler.
This revelation adds a poignant layer to the blockbuster trade that saw Sanju Samson move to CSK while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moved in the opposite direction. It reframes the narrative from a franchise making a cold strategic decision to one respecting the wishes of a loyal captain who felt it was time for a change.
The move now positions Samson to lead a new era at CSK, while the Royals usher in a fresh chapter of their own.
The IPL 2026 auction is set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
