On a night when cricket and Independence Day celebrations came together, Sanju Samson gave fans plenty to cheer. The Kerala star scored a fluent half-century in an exhibition match organised by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The timing could not have been better, coming just weeks before India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 is announced. The Greenfield lit up on Friday with its brand-new LED floodlights, which were inaugurated through a dazzling laser and music show. The exhibition clash, a curtain-raiser for the Kerala Cricket League Season 2, brought together two local sides. KCA President’s XI, led by Sachin Baby, faced off against KCA Secretary’s XI, which featured Samson. President’s XI posted 184 for 8, built on Rohan Kunnummal’s 29-ball 60 and Abhijith Praveen’s quick 47. Sharafudden was the pick of the bowlers, returning 3 for 25. Chasing, Secretary’s XI got off to a flying start with Vishnu Vinod hammering 69 off just 29 balls. After the early fireworks, Samson anchored the innings with a composed 54 off 36 deliveries. His dismissal with 13 runs still needed created late drama, but Basil Thampi cleared the ropes to secure a thrilling one-wicket win with two balls to spare. While the night was about cricketing joy, off-field developments continue to swirl around Samson. According to a Cricbuzz report, the Rajasthan Royals captain has asked to be traded or released ahead of IPL 2026. Multiple franchises are believed to be in discussions, with RR co-owner Manoj Badale personally leading talks. Although Chennai Super Kings were linked, their reluctance to part with big names like Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad has made such a deal unlikely.
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Should Sanju Samson be traded from Rajasthan Royals?
Shivam Dube’s name has been floated too, but CSK have no plans to release him. This leaves the door open for other franchises who are showing strong interest. There also remains the chance that Samson stays with the Royals if no trade materialises, despite reported differences with the management. For now, Samson’s future remains uncertain, but on the field he continues to remind everyone of his value with knocks like the one at Greenfield.
