The Indian Premier League (IPL) trade window for the 2026 season is expected to feature one of the largest probable player swaps in recent history. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and first-time IPL winners Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in serious talks over a possible deal involving India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson and CSK’s ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Samson, who has been a key member of the Royals since the 2018 mega-auction and captain since 2021, has reportedly requested to be dismissed from the organization prior to the forthcoming IPL 2026 auction. This comes following allegations of conflict between Samson and RR management, particularly after the team decided to release Jos Buttler ahead of the 2024 auction, which upset the Kerala-born player.
According to, RR’s primary owner, Manoj Badale, has personally approached several franchises, including CSK, Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The Royals have apparently communicated with these teams to express their interest in obtaining Samson, who remains one of India’s most reliable white-ball batters.
Royals’ owner Manoj Badale holds discussions with other franchisees
However, the ongoing negotiations are for the potential Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja. Reports suggest RR have demanded either Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad in exchange for Samson. However, CSK’s management, led by CEO Kasi Viswanathan and head coach Stephen Fleming, has shown reluctance to part with either of their main players.
Still, sources confirm that Chennai Super Kings has re-engaged with RR to explore possibilities of bringing Samson to Chennai.
The franchise is reportedly weighing multiple options as they prepare for their retention meeting on November 10 and 11, which will include inputs from MS Dhoni, Gaikwad, and Fleming. It’s believed that Samson’s potential arrival could be discussed during this meeting before CSK finalizes its retention list by November 15, ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction in December.
While Jadeja’s name remains a hot topic in these discussions, Shivam Dube has also been mentioned as part of preliminary discussions. However, Chennai is set to reject the idea of releasing Dube, seeing him as a crucial part of their long-term T20 setup.
Meanwhile, the Royals’ owner Manoj Badale, who is currently in Mumbai, continues to hold meetings with other franchises. Delhi Capitals, too, have shown interest, though RR’s reported demand for Tristan Stubbs plus an uncapped Indian player has made negotiations complicated.
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