Sanju Samson, who was retained by Rajasthan Royals for ₹18 crore ahead of IPL 2025, is now all set to leave the team prior to IPL 2026. Previously, there were solid reports suggesting his transfer to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) via a trade. Rajasthan Royals had already reportedly sought two players, Ravindra Jadeja and Ruturaj Gaikwad or Shivam Dube, from CSK. Chennai Super Kings declined the proposal, not keen on parting with their major Indian players. 🚨 Chennai Super Kings have turned down Rajasthan Royals’ proposal to trade Sanju Samson in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, or Shivam Dube ahead of IPL 2026. (Cricbuzz) pic.twitter.com/M3JsB3bURR — CricketGully (@thecricketgully) August 14, 2025 With CSK out of the equation, eight other franchises are now in a position to sign Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Here are three teams who might show interest for Samson ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction. Also Read | Sanju Samson’s Rumored RR Exit and Potential CSK Role 3 Teams That Could Target Samson in IPL 2026 Trade Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Kolkata Knight Riders may regard Samson as an asset. He has already been a part of KKR franchise in his early IPL years and he can solve two major issues of KKR. Samson can solve KKR's problem of getting a quality Indian opener who can also keep the wickets. During IPL 2025, their openers Quinton de Kock (152 runs from 8 innings) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (74 runs from 5 innings) didn't perform well. Samson can also be used as a future captaincy candidate after Ajinkya Rahane. But Rajasthan Royals demand's players as return instead of all-cash deal. They might insist on getting a player like Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, or Ramandeep Singh. The other prospect is Ajinkya Rahane, who has scored 390 runs in IPL 2025 and has played for RR previously. Gujarat Titans (GT) Gujarat Titans' top order performed well in IPL 2025 but their middle order fumbled in close encounters. Samson would be able to plug that hole. GT may trade players like Shahrukh Khan (₹4 Cr), Rahul Tewatia (₹4 Cr, former RR), or Glenn Phillips (₹2 Cr, former RR) in return. Another motive behind this switch could be Jos Buttler, who now plays for GT. Samson may appreciate a reunion with him to create a strong batting order. They have played together for RR for several seasons and hence, their chemistry would be a reason why GT would think of signing the Indian star. Also Read | 3 Teams That Should Target Liam Livingstone if RCB Release Him Before IPL 2026 Delhi Capitals (DC) Delhi Capitals struggled with their opening combination in IPL 2025, experimenting with several combinations such as Faf du Plessis, Abhishek Porel, and Jake Fraser-McGurk. Samson can solve that problem as well as bring in experience. DC, in return, can provide players such as Fraser-McGurk, du Plessis, Karun Nair, or Sameer Rizvi. Samson has played for Delhi in IPL 2016 and 2017, so he can return if DC indicates any interest. Samson's inclusion will also allow DC to look for an quality overseas star who can fix their middle order issues.