Former India player turned commentator Aakash Chopra believes that Sanju Samson might be wishing to leave the Rajasthan Royals because one camp within the franchise could be pushing hard to give the captaincy to Riyan Parag. He also added that head coach Rahul Dravid might have also left the franchise for the same reason.
Sanju Samson had reportedly expressed a desire to leave the RR franchise before the IPL 2026 auction. Rahul Dravid, who re-joined the Royals ahead of IPL 2025, has parted ways with the franchise after just one season.
Aakash Chopra’s Views on the latest developments of the Rajasthan Royals.
In a video on his own You Tube Channel, the former India opener felt that Riyan Parag’s potential appointment as captain may have forced both Sanju Samson and Rahul Dravid to consider leaving Rajasthan Royals. He said: “Something is not right. Firstly, the last auction was not right. After that, the last tournament didn’t go well. Then the news came that Sanju Samson wants to leave and after that, the news came that Rahul Dravid has left.”
Aakash Chopra further added: “The news emanating is that there was a question over leadership. Apparently there are a few camps in that camp, of which one is pushing hard that Riyan Parag should be the captain. If one group is pressurizing a lot that only Riyan should be made captain, Sanju Samson would wish to leave. Rahul Dravid might have the same point of view.”
The former Kolkata Knight Riders player also opined that the bigger role offered to Dravid might not have involved much work. Aakash Chopra observed: “They said Rahul Dravid was given a broader, bigger role and he denied it. I don’t know what the broader, bigger role was, but more often than not, when a broader, bigger role is given to a big personality, the designation is big in that role, but the job is limited. You reduce the actual involvement suddenly, and that is where the big statured player says he is done.”
Aakash Chopra acknowledged that reasons behind Rahul Dravid and Sanju Samson;s desire to leave aren’t verified yet. However, he added that they aren’t far from the realm of belief, considering the Rajasthan Royals’ relationship with Riyan Parag goes beyond the cricket field.
Aakash Chopra Opines on Ravichandran Ashwin being next coach of Rajasthan Royals.
In the same video, Aakash Chopra reckoned that Ravichandran Ashwin could replace Rahul Dravid and become the new head coach of the Rajasthan Royals with Sanju Samson also departing. Aakash Chopra said: “Rahul might have refused because of pressure of making Riyan Parag the captain and Sanju Samson is refusing now, so Ravichandran Ashwin might become the coach. I am just thinking aloud because the guy is available.”
While he also acknowledged that Ashwin had expressed a wish to play in overseas leagues, the cricketer turned commentator pointed out that the recently retired off-spinner will be free during the IPL. Aakash Chopra observed: “He has registered himself in ILT20, and I think he will get picked. However, along with that, he could be the coach. He can do coaching as there is no other league being played at the time of the IPL. Ravichandran Ashwin’s inputs will be excellent, and Rajasthan will search for a coach in any case because Rahul Dravid has left.”
For the record, Ravichandran Ashwin played for the Rajasthan Royals from IPL 2022 to IPL 2024. He picked up 35 wickets and scored 345 runs in 45 matches in those three seasons.
It remains to be seen what’s instore for Rajasthan Royals in the future and who they get in as new head coach. Add to that, if Sanju Samson leaves, Riyan Parag will be appointed as captain. We will wait and see how things pan out in the coming days with regards to Rajasthan Royals and IPL as a whole. It will be interesting following all the news.
Also Read: IPL 2026: AB de Villiers Reckons Rahul Dravid Was Kicked Out Of Rajasthan Royals.