Sanju Samson on top of RR’s list of releases before IPL 2026, LSG to bid farewell to Mayank Yadav

Rajasthan Royals are set to release Sanju Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, along with two Sri Lankan spinners

It looks like Sanju Samson’s release from the Rajasthan Royals squad before the IPL 2026 auction is inevitable. On Friday, a report stated that November 15 will be the deadline for the teams to decide on their retentions while the mini-auction will possibly be held in the December 13-15 window. Samson, who was linked to CSK and KKR as part of the trade rumours, is all but confirmed to part ways with RR ahead of the next edition of the tournament.

Samson’s release from RR all but confirmed

As per Cricbuzz, Samson is reportedly on top of RR’s list of releases before the IPL 2026 auction. The report states that he won’t be a part of the list only if the team manages to secure a trade deal prior to the mini-auction. While reports of trade talks between RR and CSK emerged earlier this year, reports claimed that the deal was highly unlikely to happen, with the five-time champions not wanting to trade any of their current players.

Samson featured in just 9 out of 14 games for RR in IPL 2025, and had a rather sub-par season. Boggled by injuries, the Kerala keeper-batter managed to score just 285 runs in the season, averaging 35.62. While CSK did show interest in procuring the star via trade initially, the buzz around the deal died down, especially with CSK refusing to trade an of their players. Following reports of Samson potentially leaving the franchise, RR have parted ways with head coach Rahul Dravid and bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. Kumar Sangakkara is the new head coach.

The report also states that RR plan to let go of the Sri Lankan duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. However, the report claims that the team could rethink that part, especially with Sangakkara assuming the position of head coach.

Bye Bye Mayank Yadav

The Cricbuzz report also states that LSG are likely to release Mayank Yadav ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The injury-prone pacer featured in just two matches in IPL 2025. The pacer once again broke down during IPL 2025, failing to finish the season yet again. After missing the first half of the tournament, Yadav returned to action in the clash against MI. However, he lasted just for 2 matches before he was injured again.