Sanju May Leave Royals Over Riyan Factor

Sanju Samson has been a key part of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL for over a decade, serving both as a reliable batter and as captain. Since joining the franchise in 2013, he gradually became one of the team’s pillars, leading them to the finals in 2022. However, recent developments suggest that the Kerala cricketer may be ready to end his long association with the Royals. The news has sparked major discussions in the cricket world, with many asking why Samson has taken such a decision.

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes one of the main reasons could be the “Riyan Parag factor.” Ahead of the 2025 season, the Royals replaced Samson as captain and handed the leadership role to young all-rounder Riyan Parag. This change reportedly came as a shock to Samson and might have caused discontent. For a senior player and long-serving leader, such a shift in responsibilities can naturally be difficult to accept.

Adding to this, competition within the squad has intensified. Commentator Aakash Chopra feels the rise of young talents in the Royals setup has made Samson’s position more challenging. Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already caught attention with his impressive batting, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has established himself at the international level. With the franchise increasingly leaning towards young players who can serve them long-term, the experienced Samson may be reconsidering his role in the team.

The overall IPL landscape is also shifting, with multiple teams planning major squad changes. New strategies, leadership experiments, and opportunities for emerging talents are influencing player movements. In this climate, Samson may see joining another franchise as a better opportunity to showcase his abilities and leadership. Rumors strongly suggest that he is interested in Chennai Super Kings, where he could be considered a successor to MS Dhoni. Samson’s experience as a wicketkeeper-batter and captain would make him a valuable asset for CSK, especially in the post-Dhoni era.

If Samson does join Chennai, it would mark the start of a new chapter in his career. For CSK fans, he could quickly become a favorite, as his calm and composed style of play fits well with the team’s cricketing culture. However, for Rajasthan Royals supporters, his departure would be an emotional moment, ending a significant chapter in the team’s history.

While change is inevitable in cricket, such a move could open new opportunities for Samson and force the Royals to rebuild. Only time will tell how this decision benefits each side, but for now, speculation over Samson’s next destination shows no sign of slowing down.