![Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1773639882867_sanjusamsonjaiswalIPL2026RR.jpg?type=hq)
Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal [Source: AFP]
In a shocking incident, it has been revealed that Yashasvi Jaiswal and one key player from the Rajasthan Royals were the key reasons behind Sanju Samson's RR exit ahead of the IPL 2026.
The Rajasthan Royals bid farewell to Sanju Samson before the IPL 2026 mini auction, as they traded him off to CSK, securing the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to boost their all-rounders' department.
As a result, the Kerala cricketer will be seen playing for CSK alongside star players such as MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shivam Dube. However, as he prepares for the showpiece event, his father, Samson Viswanath, has revealed the real reasons why he left Rajasthan Royals.
Sanju Samson's father reveals RR treated his son like a king
Sanju Samson became a part of the Rajasthan Royals when he was a batting prodigy. He joined the team as a teenager and went on to become one of the biggest faces of the franchise.
After Rahul Dravid, Ajinkya Rahane and Shane Watson's departure, Sanju Samson remained associated with the Royals as one of their senior pros. He was eventually appointed as the captain of the team, leading them to the final in the IPL 2022.
Considering his performance and brand value, the Royals always treated him well, revealed Samson's father, Samson Vishwanath.
Also read: Sanju Samson's Ideal Batting Position Revealed By CSK Legend Ahead Of IPL 2026
Speaking on a podcast, Vishwanath highlighted that the Rajasthan Royals management treated his son like a king and never wanted him to leave the franchise.
"Rajasthan Royals has given my son everything. There was no crown, but they treated my son like a king. I have seen and experienced it. I went for only a few IPL matches. I have seen the special consideration they have given to Sanju," Vishwanath said on the podcast.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag's aspirations prompted Samson to leave RR
According to Sanju Samson's father, although Rajasthan Royals were interested in continuing with the Kerala cricketer as their captain, two senior players of the team- Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag- felt that they deserved to lead the franchise in the IPL.
Vishwanath disclosed that, from Jaiswal and Parag's perspectives, it was natural to set the leadership goal of stabilising their careers.
As Sanju Samson felt he was blocking their ambitious path, he decided to make an exit from the franchise ahead of IPL 2026.
In fact, Vishwanath revealed to have had an open conversation with his son, where Samson proposed his exit from the Rajasthan Royals so that one of Jaiswal or Parag could come to helm.
Riyan Parag named RR captain for IPL 2026
According to reports, RR had shortlisted Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel as the potential candidates to replace Samson as their captain.
However, their newly appointed head coach, Kumar Sangakkara, finalised Parag as the new skipper, considering his leadership acumen and all-round credentials.
As per the IPL 2026 schedule, RR will cross swords against CSK in their first match of the season at Barsapara Stadium on March 30. They will take on the Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians and RCB on April 4, 7 and 10, respectively.
Also read: Mohsin Naqvi Demands Justice From Jay Shah's ICC After Pakistan's Thrashing Vs Bangladesh
