The Sanju Samson trade saga is turning into one of the biggest talking points ahead of IPL 2026. After 11 seasons with Rajasthan Royals, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter has formally asked to move on, and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) seem to be the most interested. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have emerged as likely contenders as well. While many expected KKR to put someone like Venkatesh Iyer on the table, reports suggest otherwise. Instead, the franchise is weighing up two younger names as potential trade chips.
KKR likely to give away Raghuvanshi/Ramandeep?
According to Anandabazar Patrika, KKR are open to including either Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep Singh in a swap deal for Samson. Both players were part of KKR’s title-winning campaign in 2024 and have shown glimpses of becoming long-term assets. Raghuvanshi, still in his teens, is regarded as one of India’s brightest batting prospects, while Ramandeep’s finishing ability and handy seam bowling make him a valuable utility player.
However, the gulf in valuations makes the trade complicated. Samson, retained by RR for ₹18 crore, sits in the top bracket, whereas Raghuvanshi and Ramandeep are valued at ₹3 crore and ₹4 crore, respectively. That means even if one of them is included, KKR would still have to pay a heavy sum of cash to balance the deal.
For Sanju Samson, this could be the defining career move. He has been the face of the Royals since 2022, leading them with distinction, but the relationship has clearly been strained. His family has openly expressed the desire for a fresh start, and Samson himself has admitted that the Royals “transformed his life and career.”
If Samson’s move to KKR becomes a reality, it would represent a complete reversal of events, as he was a member of the Knight Riders’ squad in 2012 before making his IPL debut with RR. This time, though, he would walk in as a proven India star and one of the league’s most sought-after captains. But it is KKR who needs Samson the most. Their quest for having an Indian keeper would make KKR a force to be reckoned with.
Having Samson as an opener would allow KKR to play an extra overseas pacer that could complete their bowling attack quite fittingly. However, having Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep as part of trade deals seems a bit far-fetched. KKR have groomed the former and also sees a future captain in him. Meanwhile, Ramandeep is a rare commidity in T20 cricket.
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