Since making his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in 2013, Sanju Samson had been the face of the Rajasthan Royals. Across 11 seasons—excluding the two years when the franchise was suspended—the stylish right-hander evolved into one of their most important players, guiding them to the IPL final in 2022 and securing another playoff spot in 2024.
But IPL 2025 told a different story. Rajasthan Royals struggled throughout the season, finishing in the bottom half of the table and failing to look competitive. The disappointing campaign was followed by major changes: head coach Rahul Dravid parted ways with the franchise, and captain Sanju Samson requested a trade.
Why Sanju Samson Requested a Move Away from RR
RR owner Manoj Badale revealed that Samson’s decision was driven not by money or selection concerns, but by emotional fatigue. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Badale shared that Samson had been very honest about his feelings, admitting that he was “emotionally drained” and needed a fresh beginning.
According to Badale, players often make decisions based on personal priorities—whether financial or related to national team opportunities—but Samson’s situation was different. His desire to move on came from caring “almost too much.”
Badale explained that the franchise respected Samson’s emotions from the beginning. However, there was one clear condition: Rajasthan Royals would only approve the move if it made the team stronger in return. Samson accepted this condition without hesitation.
The Blockbuster Trade That Made RR Stronger
This is where the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stepped in. To secure Samson, the five-time IPL champions agreed to a massive trade, sending Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran—two core members of their setup—to Rajasthan.
For RR, this trade addressed multiple issues. Jadeja and Curran brought strong middle-order stability and valuable all-round skills, instantly boosting the squad’s balance.
Badale emphasized that the decision was never about stopping Samson but about ensuring the franchise continued to grow. He called Samson “authentic” and appreciated the respect and professionalism he showed throughout the process.
In the end, the deal fulfilled both sides: Samson received the fresh chapter he needed, and Rajasthan Royals strengthened their overall squad with two proven match-winners.
