"Writing on the wall": Robin Uthappa reacts to the rift rumors between Sanju Samson and Rajasthan Royals
While the next edition of the Indian Premier League is still months away from its inception, the brewing trade rumors have already hit the headlines. Multiple reports have suggested some high-profile exits ahead of IPL 2026. The most notable names in the reported trade and release list are those of Sanju Samson and Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin returned to Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, the all-rounder's homecoming turned out to be disappointing, reflecting CSK's overall performance in the season. Meanwhile, speculations around Samson, the long-time captain of Rajasthan Royals, predict more than just a mutual understanding of a release.
Robin Uthappa reflects on the speculations of Sanju Samson's exit from Rajasthan Royals
Ever since the conclusion of IPL 2025, multiple reports have emerged about the future of Sanju Samson with Rajasthan Royals. The initial update suggested that Samson and Rajasthan Royals were well on course to parting ways ahead of the next season. However, a contrasting report emerged, stating that the franchise was inclined towards keeping their captain in the team for IPL 2026. Soon after, another report came up, claiming that Sanju Samson had cleared his intention, demanding a release from the franchise.
Samson endured a disappointing run in IPL 2025, playing limited games owing to his finger injury. Moreover, as the captain spent a significant time on the bench, speculations of a potential rift emerged from the RR camp, stemming from the management's preference for up-and-coming talents. Now, as Samson is likely on his way out of the team, former RR player Robin Uthappa has reacted to the rumors. Uthappa, unlike many, doesn't see the rift speculations as a shock. Considering what transpired during IPL 2025, Uthappa is clear that things have not been seamless between the RR management and Samson.
Moreover, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman drew out a scenario, signaling the high possibility of Samson's exit. With Rajasthan Royals finding a gun opener in Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Uthappa highlighted that Samson might not get his ideal position in the RR batting lineup. Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top and Riyan Parag at No. 3 will likely push Samson to No. 4 in the Royals' batting order. Uthappa questioned why a batter who opens for India in the format would accept a No. 4 spot in the IPL.
"They have both Yashasvi, who has done really well for them, and Suryavanshi has absolutely smacked it out of the park, and Riyan Parag likes to bat at number three. Where does that leave Sanju Samson? A number four spot. Would I want to bat at number four when I am opening for India? Absolutely not. From his perspective, he probably felt that perhaps that won't change at RR, and they back their youngsters quite a bit, don't they," Uthappa said.
"That has been the culture there at RR. So he probably sees it as writing on the wall, perhaps, and so perhaps, he's trying to get a little bit ahead of the curve and say, 'let me move now' so that I can go elsewhere and open the batting and still vie for that position at the top of the order in the Indian team. So that's perhaps a small reasoning as well," he added.
