With IPL 2026 on the horizon, Sanju Samson's fate at Rajasthan Royals (RR) is balanced on thin ice. Various reports indicate that the marquee wicketkeeper-batter and team leader has formally requested the RR administration to release or trade him to some other franchise. Individuals close to him, such as his family members and some Indian and IPL teammates, have also hinted at the fact that the rapport between Samson and the franchise has thawed. IPL Rules and Contract Make Trade Difficult Though he has asked for it, IPL rules do not permit players to demand a trade or release. According to the rules, if a player is retained or selected in the auction, he binds himself to the team for three years. Therefore, though Samson wishes to shift, the decision depends on Rajasthan Royals. The franchise had bought Samson back in the IPL 2025 auction for ₹18 crore, which means he is contracted to them up to the conclusion of the 2027 season. Also Read | CSK to Trade These 2 Players to RR for Sanju Samson for IPL 2026 The question of RR now is, should they retain a player who does not wish to remain with them anymore, or release him to ensure team's balance? Samson has been a valuable asset of the Royals since 2015, having previously represented Kolkata Knight Riders. His ascent was so noteworthy in the initial stages that even Sachin Tendulkar had the praise him for his talent. One of the key causes of the fallout seems to be batting order. Samson likes to bat at the top, like he does for India in T20s. But now that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi are making waves, the top order is already established. Meanwhile, RR quietly talked with other teams, which included CSK, for the possibility of a trade deal. Still, any trade requires a player of the same value and experience, making the situation a lot more complicated. At the moment, Sanju Samson is still an RR player, and it will depend on whatever happens in the coming months as to whether he still walks out with pink in IPL 2026.