Ravichandran Ashwin, a veteran spinner who has previously represented PBKS and CSK, revealed this information.
He added that RR’s trade demand for Samson was straightforward: a finisher and a bowler in exchange from Punjab. Ashwin also mentioned that Marcus Stoinis, an Australian all-rounder, was one of the important names being explored as part of the potential swap trade.
The trade story involving Sanju Samson has taken another turn, with sources indicating that, in addition to the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have submitted an offer to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Although CSK seemed to have gained Samson’s services, PBKS was also interested in signing him at one point.
Stoinis’ ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him an ideal candidate for RR’s finisher position. However, Ashwin did not reveal which bowler PBKS had recommended to accompany Stoinis in the swap. Speculation is that it may have been Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, or a mix of numerous uncapped bowlers.
Ultimately, the purchase failed because PBKS appeared to lack the necessary assets to meet RR’s expectations. Other than Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh, the franchise lacked a player with considerable trade value to balance a Samson exchange. As a result, despite PBKS’s desire, trade negotiations came to a halt, leaving CSK in great position to sign the RR captain ahead of the 2019 IPL season.
“I heard this murmur that it wasn’t just Delhi or Chennai that were in the race (to get Sanju Samson via trade), but Rajasthan also got a trade offer from the Punjab Kings. It was a very good offer. Rajasthan wanted a bowler and finisher combination. I hear that Marcus Stoinis might have also been on the table,” Ashwin said on Ash ki Baat.
CSK appear to have the firepower to make the Samson trade happen, with Ravindra Jadeja reportedly being a key part of the potential deal. If the trade goes through as planned, Jadeja is expected to move to RR in exchange for Samson. In addition, one of Sam Curran or Matheesha Pathirana could also be included to balance the trade value.
From a financial standpoint, Jadeja and Curran together account for INR 20.40 crore, while Samson’s price tag stands at INR 18 crore, making it a relatively even exchange in terms of player valuation.
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