In the biggest player trades in the history of the IPL, the Rajasthan Royals are reported to be trading their longtime captain, Sanju Samson, to the Chennai Super Kings. The Royals are expected to get premier all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in return.
According to reports, both franchises have spoken to all three players involved. However, neither RR nor CSK has issued an official confirmation yet.
Trade Mechanics and Governing Council Approval
According to the IPL’s trading policy, both franchises must submit an expression of interest to the IPL Governing Council, naming the players. Once the written consent of the player is obtained, the franchises can further discuss and reach an agreement. The deal will be officially ratified after the Council’s approval.
Sanju Samson’s Decade-Long Journey with Rajasthan Royals
A stellar run with RR
Sanju Samson has played for the Rajasthan Royals for 11 seasons and became the franchise’s face from 2013. Samson became the skipper in 2021 and led RR to their first IPL finals since 2008 in the 2022 season.
As captain, Samson led 67 matches for the side, recording 33 wins and 33 losses. He had the best season with the bat in IPL 2024, scoring 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47.
The following season was disappointing as he suffered a side injury during IPL 2025, which saw RR finish ninth. He is also RR’s all-time leading run-scorer with 4027 runs, joint-most 50-plus scores which is 25 and the highest individual score of 124.
Samson’s Future Ahead of IPL 2026
After the 2025 season, it was reported that Samson wanted a new challenge, requesting a release from Rajasthan Royals. This triggered trade talks with several teams, eventually paving the way for the high-profile negotiation with CSK.
If finalized, Samson could be CSK’s new captaincy prospect and the team’s long-term solution behind the wickets in the post-Dhoni era, going into IPL 2026.
Return of Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals
This trade would mean a return to where it all started for Ravindra Jadeja. He first represented the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2008 and was an instrumental part of their maiden title victory under Shane Warne.
Over the years, Jadeja went onto become a CSK legend, featuring in 254 matches – fifth-most in IPL history. With 143 wickets, he is CSK’s highest wicket-taker and has also served match-winning cameos with the bat.
CSK retained Jadeja into the 2025 mega auction at INR 18 crore, proof of how important he is for them. He has been instrumental in three of the five IPL titles CSK has won, including the famous 2023 final where he hit the winning runs against Gujarat Titans.
Sam Curran’s Second Stint with RR?
Part of this blockbuster deal may involve the dynamic England allrounder Sam Curran relocating to Jaipur. Since representing Punjab Kings and CSK in some (mostly incomplete) seasons in the IPL, Curran’s time hasn’t been the most consistent.
In 2025, CSK brought Curran back for INR 2.4 crore, and in five matches he was able to score just 114 runs and collect one wicket. A move to the Rajasthan Royals could provide Curran a new opportunity to regain form and value before IPL 2026.
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Impact of the Trade on Both Franchises
This trade, if it happens, would significantly alter the dynamics of both teams:
While preparing for life after MS Dhoni, CSK may find not only a new captaincy option, but a very strong Indian top-order wicketkeeper-batter at the same time. Rajasthan Royals might pick up a proven match-winner in Ravindra Jadeja as well as potentially gain versatility with India’s Sam Curran allrounder while giving some innings depth/scope, while modifying and living without the presence of Jos Buttler.
This duality might be a fresh-win-win for both sides and might not only change both franchise balance sheets, but also the manner of operations on both sides and for the two sides to operate for IPL 2026.
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