• Source:JND
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Sanju Samson To CSK: Indian commentator Aakash Chopra has made an effort to 'decipher' the ongoing speculations around Sanju Samson’s likely 'move on' from Rajasthan Royals before the IPL 2026 auction. The Cricketer-turned-Commentator feels that with the rise of another opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, he will not have the same say in the retention choices like he had in 2026.

There were also reports surrounding Samson's differences with Rajasthan Royals during the 2025 season. Notably, Samson played nine games out of 14 due to injury. He was also dropped from his regular position of opening whenever Suryavanshi played.

In his official YouTube channel, Chopra said, “Why would Sanju Samson want to leave? It’s interesting because when the last mega auction happened, they let Jos Buttler go, and I felt they let Jos Buttler go because Yashasvi had come and Sanju wanted to open, and Sanju and Rajasthan Royals were really, really thick."

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“I felt there would have been a massive input from Sanju in the players they retained or released. However, now it seems it might not have been there. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has come, so two openers are already ready, and you also want to bat Dhruv Jurel up the order. So Sanju wishes to leave. If he is thinking like that, it’s possible. These are conjectures. I don’t know what’s in his and Rajasthan’s minds," Chopra added.

Samson, has been a vital cog in Rajasthan Royals as he has been the longest-serving skipper for the franchise.

Sanju Samson To CSK or KKR?

As per report, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are looking to get Sanju Samson onboard.

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“The first name that comes to my mind is not CSK," Chopra said. “KKR should be the most desperate team. KKR don’t have an Indian wicketkeeper-batter, and that just ties their hands behind their back. Secondly, what’s wrong if you get a captain? I am not denying that Ajinkya Rahane has captained well and has scored runs as well," he added.

“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," Chopra added.