Follow UsFormer India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes Riyan Parag could be a key factor behind Sanju Samson’s reported desire to leave Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction.
According to multiple reports, Samson has already informed the RR management to either release or trade him before the next auction, with CSK emerging as strong favourites to secure his services via a trade.
In IPL 2025, Samson featured in just nine matches due to multiple injuries. Even in some of those games, he often played as an impact substitute because of a finger injury, with Parag captaining RR. Meanwhile, Samson’s opening slot was taken over by teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
"I feel Riyan Parag is the reason. If you consider him for captaincy, how do you expect someone like Samson to stay?," Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Badrinath also voiced his opinion that CSK should part ways with veteran offspinner R Ashwin. Ashwin began his IPL career with the franchise in 2009 and played a pivotal role in their early title wins before moving to Rising Pune Supergiant (2016-17), Punjab Kings (PBKS, 2018-19), Delhi Capitals (DC, 2020-21), and Rajasthan Royals (RR, 2022-24).
The 38-year-old made a much-anticipated return to CSK in IPL 2025, but it proved underwhelming. He claimed only seven wickets at an average of 40.42 and an economy rate of over 9, while scoring just 33 runs at an average of 8.25. His struggles eventually saw him dropped from the playing XI.
"I feel Ashwin adds value to CSK, but not at Rs 10 crore (Rs 9.75 crore). In the IPL, you need to see the price point and the player. He is definitely not at his peak. That is why I have been maintaining from the start that Ashwin has to be released," Badrinath stated.