In what has been touted as one of the biggest IPL 2026 trades, the Rajasthan Royals have completed a sensational multi-player swap with Chennai Super Kings, sending Sanju Samson to CSK in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. It was one of the most high-profile trades in IPL history and reshapes the core of both teams going into the 2026 season.
Samson to CSK, Jadeja & Curran Return to RR
The IPL said on Saturday that Sanju Samson, RR’s long-serving captain and marquee player retained for INR 18 crore ahead of IPL 2025, will now wear the yellow jersey for the same fee.
In return, RR receive:
Ravindra Jadeja – fee revised to INR 14 crore
Sam Curran – fee unchanged at INR 2.4 crore
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This will be an emotional return for Jadeja to the franchise he started his IPL career with in 2008 and won his maiden IPL title. Curran, on the other hand, starts a new chapter as he joins his third IPL team.
Emotional Returns and Fresh Starts
Ravindra Jadeja Returns to Rajasthan Royals
Jadeja expressed heartfelt emotions about his return:
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“Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory,” Jadeja said in a RR statement. “Coming back feels special – it’s not just a team for me, it’s home. Rajasthan Royals is where I won my first IPL, and I hope to win more with this current group of players.”
“Sam brings a different but equally important dimension. He’s fearless, adaptable, and thrives in pressure situations with both bat and ball. Together, Jadeja and Sam give us balance, leadership, and the kind of match-winning depth we want as we build for the future.”
RR’s Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, also spoke to the significance of Jadeja’s return, and Sam Curran’s inclusion.
Sam Curran adds depth and firepower.
Sanju Samson Seeks a New Challenge at CSK
Having spent 11 years with RR, Samson had requested a release following the IPL 2025 season. CSK’s management, led by Kasi Viswanathan, stated that the trade was a decision reached with “mutual understanding and long-term vision.”
Other Major IPL 2026 Trades Announced
Aside from the blockbuster three-player swap, several other franchises have completed key trades that will significantly reshape their squads.
Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants
Sunrisers Hyderabad traded senior pacer Mohammed Shami, bought for INR 10 crore in 2025, to LSG at his existing price.
Nitish Rana Moves to Delhi Capitals (DC)
Former KKR skipper and IPL veteran Nitish Rana moves to DC from RR for INR 4.2 crore.
Returning to the Mumbai Indians is Mayank Markande.
Leg-spinner Mayank Markande, who was originally groomed by MI, makes a homecoming from KKR at his unchanged fee of INR 30 lakh.
Donovan Ferreira Back to Rajasthan Royals
South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira returns to RR from DC, getting a salary hike from INR 75 lakh to INR 1 crore. Arjun Tendulkar Joins Lucknow Super Giants Now, young left-arm seamer Arjun Tendulkar moves from the Mumbai Indians to LSG, on a contract for INR 30 lakh.
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