Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would be the most desperate side to acquire Sanju Samson through trade for IPL 2026. His comments follow a day after news emerged that RR captain allegedly asked to be released by the team before the upcoming season. Although CSK are apparently keen on the keeper-batter, Chopra believes it is actually the KKR who require Samson more than five-time champions CSK. In a video of his channel on YouTube, Chopra highlighted the fact that not only are KKR short of an Indian keeper-batter but also opined that there was nothing wrong in acquiring a captain in the form of Samson. He opined that the team would do well by appointing Sanju as the skipper despite Ajinkya Rahane's performance in IPL 2025. Chopra asserted that by letting go of southpaw Venkatesh Iyer, KKR can release Rs 24 crore which they can utilize to acquire Samson and that will make a difference. Also Read | 4 IPL Teams That Should Go After Jamie Smith in IPL 2026 Mini Auction Here is what Chopra said on his YouTube channel: KKR should be the most desperate team. However, Ajinkya Rahane as a batter, either he opens or else the batting order has been a bit of a problem. They have a player they can release as well. If they wish, they can release Venkatesh Iyer, free up nearly ₹24 crore, and then they can actually make a difference,” Venkatesh Iyer was purchased by KKR for a whopping Rs 23.75 crore. But the left handed batsman just couldn't get going in IPL 2025, scoring only 142 runs from 11 games at an average of 20.28. Royals had kept Samson on Rs 18 crore- the upper bracket – prior to the IPL 2025 auction. Yet, while fighting a series of injuries, the keeper-batter played only 9 games and had quite a disappointing season with the bat. Riyan Parag was entrusted with the captaincy while Vaibhav Suryavanshi took up Yashasvi Jaiswal's new opening friend.