The IPL 2026 Trade Window is heating up, and the spotlight is firmly on one man – Sanju Samson. Rajasthan Royals’ long-serving skipper is at the center of a tug-of-war, and now Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have entered the fray with a proposal that has already set tongues wagging across the cricketing circuit.
According to reports, KKR have offered a trade involving Venkatesh Iyer in exchange for Samson. The catch, however, is that KKR are only willing to part with him. Iyer is KKR’s most expensive player acquired in the last edition of the IPL 2025, also, Iyer has been part of KKR setup since 2021.
The CSK Angle Still Alive
The twist in the tale is that Rajasthan Royals are also keeping the door open for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Reports suggest RR would be willing to let Samson go if CSK offered up Sam Curran, Devon Conway, or Shivam Dube. Predictably, CSK have shut that option down – their core is non-negotiable.
Still, with MS Dhoni’s exit looming larger than ever, Samson remains a tempting figure for CSK as they look to groom a long-term leader.
The Trade Window Drama We Can’t Get Enough Of
So, where does all this leave us? If KKR genuinely sees Sanju Samson as the final piece in their puzzle, then the move makes a lot of cricketing sense. But are they willing to part ways with a young talent they’ve nurtured over the years? And on the flip side – will Rajasthan Royals really let go of their captain, knowing it could reshape the team’s identity heading into IPL 2026?
One thing’s for sure, whether it’s KKR, CSK, or even a surprise name from the mega auction, Sanju Samson’s future has become the biggest and most exciting storyline of this trade window.
The drama’s far from over. So, sit tight – the twists are just getting started before the auction gavel finally drops.
