It appears that the rumors surrounding Sanju Samson’s trade between the Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings may finally be put to rest. The new development confirms that RR would bring in CSK all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to replace Samson in their lineup ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season.
According to the most recent media reports, both franchises have held negotiations with all of the players involved in the trade deal and are all prepared to submit an expression of interest to the IPL governing council. If it is approved, it will be one of the most significant trade deals in the history of the cash-rich championship.
“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 — Sanju Samson or MS Dhoni?
Two true match-winning all-rounders against Samson, who is a leadership candidate and also serves as a wicketkeeper-batter’s option for the legendary MS Dhoni, might be one of the reasons CSK is interested in adding his likes to their roster ahead of the forthcoming season.
Notably, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has declared that Dhoni will play in the 2026 season; however, his knee troubles suggest he may only appear as an Impact Substitute. He captained CSK in the latter half of the 2025 season after Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined due to a damaged shoulder. However, he will revert to his role as a specialist, as the Maharashtra batter is expected to lead the team once more.
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