New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals are amping up the efforts to broker a trade deal for their skipper Rajasthan Royals Sanju Samson. The Kerala cricketer’s exit from the Royals franchise has dominated headlines for the last few months, and there are no signs of the chatter subsiding in the near future.
The latest developement on the Samson trade deal, as per a report in Cricbuzz, is that the Royals have contacted again to multiple franchises asking about the possibility of signing the India keeper-batter. RR’s lead owner, Manoj Badale, is reportedly heading the negotiations personally.
The report also states that Badale has even mentioned the names of specific players from different franchises for the exchange deal, and there is a possibility that the Royals may have already cracked – or are close to cracking – a deal with one of the franchises.
Trade deal with Chennai Super Kings remains a long shot
The developments surrounding the Samson trade deal have largely stayed under wraps due to direct contact between the franchise owners. However, Chennai Super Kings’ name as Samson’s next destination is widely speculated. Though a deal with CSK is a long shot, as the Royals are reportedly keen on bringing Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Like Jadeja and Gaikwad, Shivam Dube also remains a treasured asset for the five-time champions.
At this point, all the possibilities are open, but a deal for Samson in the near future looks highly likely with trade talks underway with multiple teams. As Samson is attracting interest from several teams, the chances of another franchise landing him are massive.
Samson may also stay at Rajasthan Royals since releasing or trading can only be the franchise’s decision, with the player having very little say except requesting exit from the franchise management.
As per a previous report on Cricbuzz, Samson made a formal request to the Royals management to seek a different challenge.