The IPL season is quite far away still and we haven’t even heard about the next dates for the auction. However, the tournament is already a hot topic because of the trade window and what it might mean for the future of one of the best players in the league, Sanju Samson.
(X/IPL)

What is the trade window? Between a month after the IPL season ends and the week before the next one starts, the 10 franchises are allowed to exchange their retained players for either a) money or b) other players.
(Picture Credit: Sportzpics)

Samson is the hot topic of the summer because he has reportedly told the Rajasthan Royals, his long-term franchise, that he wants to leave before the auction. It’s being reported that the two parties have some differences.
(Picture Credit: AP)

Although the Royals are the one who’ll call the shots about Samson’s future, generally teams don’t like to keep players who don’t want to stay, so there’s a good chance the wicketkeeper doesn’t play in Pink next year.
(Picture credit: BCCI)

What will Sanju Samson bring to the table? The top-order batter is an India international, RR’s highest-ever run-scorer and their longest serving captain. He can bat anywhere from number 1 to 4 with equal impact and is brilliant behind the stumps. These are qualities several teams would pay a fortune for.
(Picture Credit: PTI)

The biggest option available to Samson seems to be Chennai Super Kings. According to some reports, it is also his preference.
(Picture Credit: AP)

CSK would be a great opportunity for him because MS Dhoni is close to retiring and they’ll need a frontline wicketkeeper, someone who knows Tamil, is from the neighboring state, brings captaincy experience and is in the prime of his career.
(BCCI Photo)

Another choice being cited in the media are Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR have been in need of a dependable wicketkeeper batter for ages and their team would likely go under a shuffle after a big failure under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy. At KKR, he’ll likely call the shots as the captain and as someone who had a brief stint at the team in his early years, he’ll get as much love as Shreyas Iyer did.
(Picture Credit: Sportzpics)

But there are also a couple of wildcard choices: Mumbai Indians are also staring at the retirement of Rohit Sharma in the next few years and will need an opener. A wicketkeeper with a lot of fan-following will fit the bill.
(BCCI Photo)

Another possible choice could be Sunrisers Hyderabad. The franchise like shuffling players around everywhere and their top-order ‘keeper option Ishan Kishan, signed for Rs. 11.25 crore, didn’t perform per expectations in 2025. Releasing him could get them the money needed and Samson will fit their style like a glove.
(AP Photo)