Kolkata: Kerala cricketer Sanju Samson has reportedly attracted the attention of Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, following reports that the player expressed a desire to leave Rajasthan Royals (RR). Franchises are now moving to bring him into their teams by any means possible, either through player trading or auctions. Sanju had approached the RR management asking for a release or a transfer, as he no longer wished to continue with the team, as per a recent Cricbuzz report.

Why is Kolkata interested in Sanju?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is said to have made a new offer through trading to bring Sanju to their team. According to Anandabazar Patrika, Kolkata is attempting to include two players in the trade deal. They plan to offer Rajasthan either Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep Singh to bring Sanju into the team.

Rajasthan is reportedly offering Sanju ₹18 crore, but the players from Kolkata are not valued as highly. Raghuwanshi is worth ₹3 crore, and Ramandeep ₹4 crore. Therefore, the trade deal is likely to include cash along with the player.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are also in the running to secure the player, but reports suggest that Rajasthan has set conditions for the deal. RR has requested players from the team in the deal, specifically Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, Chennai is not ready to agree to these demands.

What caused the rift between Sanju and RR?

Reports suggest that the rift between Sanju and the Rajasthan team management worsened following the team's poor performance last season, finishing in ninth place. Sanju, who was injured, only played nine matches last season, mostly as an Impact Player. 

It is believed that Sanju was upset because he was not allowed to pick his preferred batting position. Sanju generally plays as an opener in the T20s, and in recent times, the Indian team has considered him for the opening spot. However, last season, Rajasthan considered young players Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi for the opening positions, which proved successful. This resulted in Sanju losing his preferred batting position, reportedly further intensifying the rift.

Uncertainty shrouds Sanju’s IPL career as fans eagerly await the cricketer’s next move in the cash-rich league.