"They Need a Captain" – Aakash Chopra on Ravichandran Ashwin Potentially Becoming RR Skipper if Released by CSK

Sanju Samson’s exit from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) looks almost certain. Many believe that Samson will leave his team to join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 trade window is open until a week before the 2026 mini-auction, it is still unclear when or if this news will be confirmed.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has said that Ravichandran Ashwin and Sanju Samson might swap teams before IPL 2026. He mentioned that Ashwin could become the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain next season if this trade happens.

Some reports claim that Samson has asked RR to release him before the IPL 2026 auction. Other reports say that Ashwin has also requested the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to release him.

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Aakash Chopra on Possible Ashwin-Samson Swap

In a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra, the former India opener said that Ravichandran Ashwin could lead the Rajasthan Royals (RR) next season if a swap with Sanju Samson happens.

"Ash has said that he doesn't want to play for CSK, that he is not available. He might be allowed to leave as well. Sanju is going from there, and Ravichandran Ashwin anna is going from here. So will it be a straight swap?" Chopra said.

"RR's captain might go to CSK, although he may not become captain there as Ruturaj Gaikwad could continue. But Ashwin could join Rajasthan and become their captain because they need one," he added.

RR’s Captaincy Options Without Samson

Chopra pointed out that RR don’t have a strong captaincy option if Samson leaves. "I was thinking who could become Rajasthan's captain if Sanju leaves. Dhruv Jurel is not ready and very young. Yashasvi Jaiswal has captaincy dreams, but I don’t think they will choose him now. Riyan Parag did okay last season. So it may work out well," Chopra said.

Sanju Samson played three games as an impact sub at the start of IPL 2025 and missed five matches due to injuries. Riyan Parag captained RR in those games. Samson’s captaincy and batting have had mixed results in the last five seasons. RR reached the IPL 2022 final and playoffs in 2024 but also finished 9th and 7th in other years.

With the bat, Samson struggled last season, partly due to injuries. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag performed much better. It makes sense that RR might think about moving on from the 30-year-old, who has not fully reached his potential. Jaiswal or Parag could take over as captain, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi looks set to stay.