‘End of his IPL journey’ — RR owner Manoj Badale reveals why Sanju Samson requested a trade to CSK after Rajasthan Royals’ 'worst season in 18 years'

Divy Dubey

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‘End of his IPL journey’ — RR owner Manoj Badale reveals why Sanju Samson requested a trade to CSK after Rajasthan Royals’ 'worst season in 18 years' image

Sanju Samson's move to Chennai Super Kings marked one of the biggest trades ahead of IPL 2026, ending his long and decorated association with Rajasthan Royals. The transfer, which also involved Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran heading to RR, closed a significant chapter for both Samson and RR.

While the deal became official on retention deadline day, the conversations that led to it began much earlier. The franchise has now shed light on how the request unfolded, offering clarity on one of the most debated storylines of the off-season.

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Sanju Samson's trade request after RR's difficult 2025 campaign

In a video released by the franchise, RR owner Manoj Badale confirmed that Samson personally asked to leave toward the end of the 2025 season. According to Badale, the wicket-keeper batter was mentally and emotionally drained after a year that he described as the team's "worst season in 18 years."

More: How much has Sanju Samson earned in IPL over the years and how much will CSK pay him in IPL 2026?

Badale said Samson first raised the possibility of moving on during a discussion in Kolkata late in the season. He added that the long-time RR captain had invested heavily in the franchise and felt the difficult year had taken a toll on him.

"The first time this year or in the past year that Sanju talked about moving on was probably in Kolkata towards the end of the season.. He was personally, emotionally drained," Badale said in the video.

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Why Samson felt it was time to leave Rajasthan Royals

Badale said that Samson had spent nearly his entire IPL career with RR and believed it was time for a new chapter. The owner praised Samson's sincerity and loyalty, saying that his request carried weight because of how authentically it was made.

"He just felt that, having given the best part of 14 years with a break to RR, he wanted a new chapter to refresh the end of his journey with the IPL," Badale said.

Samson also shared his own message after joining CSK, writing on Instagram that he had given everything to RR but felt it was the right moment to move on.

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