According to reports, at least six members of the Rajasthan Royals' squad are attracting trade interest from several franchises during the current transfer window, which could signal a significant realignment in advance of the 2026 IPL season. There is growing speculation about the future of the Royals' longtime captain and star player, Sanju Samson, even if the team has not announced any names.

Many of their athletes are generating significant curiosity. The RR have started discussions about possible trades with other teams.

A team insider told PTI, "There have been numerous approaches by multiple franchises for around six of our players. Similarly, we have reached out to other teams for possible options. The principle is simple: every team is open to moves that can strengthen their squad — Rajasthan Royals are no different."

The move occurs as IPL teams start making long-term changes to their rosters in preparation for the mega auction next year. Teams have enough time to consider strategic transactions during the trading window, which opened on June 4, the day after the IPL 2025 final, and will remain open until a week before the 2026 auction.

Sanju Samson is one of the names being discussed in trade talks. If the Royals are willing to let him go, Samson, who has been a key player for RR since 2013 and their captain in recent years, may be one of the most sought-after players in the league. The rise of Dhruv Jurel, who has excelled as a wicketkeeper and with the bat, provides RR with a solid succession plan internally.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are two franchises that might be particularly interested in a player like Samson. By the time IPL 2026 rolls around, MS Dhoni will be 45 years old, and CSK is planning for a future outside of him. With Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz still failing to produce reliable wicketkeeping performances throughout a full season, KKR may be reassessing their choices in this area.

Despite the fact that CSK CEO Kashi Viswanathan refused to speak and RR has kept silent about details, there is increasing speculation among league officials that big changes may be on the way.

The Royals are also under scrutiny for the course of their leadership. Riyan Parag has become a potential candidate to take over the helm in light of Samson's uncertain future. Parag, who briefly led the team during Samson's absence last season, was seen by some as a surprising choice — especially considering the presence of up-and-coming talent Yashasvi Jaiswal in the team. However, Parag's rise may have a strategic justification due to his close ties to Assam and the Royals' increasing presence in Guwahati.

In IPL, what does a player trade entail?

There are several different types of player moves that are permitted by the trading environment of the IPL, including outright exchanges, trades with value changes, and all-cash transactions intended to free up purse space in advance of the auction. The window will open once the 2026 auction is over and stay open until a month before the start of the season.

The Royals' willingness to consider proposals in light of this, as well as the rumored interest from rival teams, points to the possibility of a larger rearrangement. RR continues to be a franchise with significant trading leverage due to its combination of young talent and seasoned campaigners.

The question is whether the Royals opt for continuity or disruption—and whether Samson, one of the team's most well-known players, continues to play a key role in their strategy.

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