It seems that the rumours around the trade deal of Sanju Samson between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings may finally be put to rest. The latest development has confirmed that RR will sweep in CSK all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to discard Samson from their set-up ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League.
A latest media report has made it clear that both the franchises have made discussions with all the players involved in the trade deal and are all in readiness to send an expression of interest to the IPL governing council regarding the same. If it goes through, it will become one of the most historic trade deals in the history of the cash-rich tournament.
“Both RR and CSK have to send an expression of interest naming the three players involved in the trade to the IPL governing council. As per the trading rules, once the players’ written consent comes in, the franchises can have further discussions for a final agreement, which will also be ratified by the governing council,” ESPNcricinfo wrote in its latest report.
Notably, Samson has represented RR since his debut with them in 2012. When the franchise was suspended for two years in 2016 and 2017, those were the only seasons where Samson found home in another franchise as he played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). The same goes with Jadeja. He has shared a long-term relationship with the franchise, and has even captained the side briefly in 2023.
Curran, on the other hand, has represented Punjab Kings in a couple of stints, while staying with CSK for the remainder of his IPL career, which shot up in 2019. The English all-rounder has recently risen to prominence, gaining a place back in the international side, and has also been captaining his side in The Hundred Men’s competition.
Who will keep the wickets for CSK — Samson or MS Dhoni?
Two genuine match-winning all-rounders against Samson, who is a leadership material and also provides a wicketkeeper-batter’s option to the legendary MS Dhoni may be one of the reasons that CSK are interested in adding his likes to their squadron ahead of the upcoming season.
Notably, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that Dhoni will be playing the 2026 season, however, his knee issues suggest he may simply play as an Impact Substitute. He had captained CSK in the latter half of 2025 season once Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to a fractured shoulder. However, he will return to being a specialist as the Maharashtra batter is expected to return to leading the side yet again.
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