Sanju Samson Set to Join CSK in Major IPL Trade Deal

In one of the most surprising moves in Indian Premier League history, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are reportedly set to trade their captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In return, RR will receive star allrounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The trade, if finalized, could reshape both teams ahead of the next IPL season.

According to reports, both RR and CSK have already discussed the proposed exchange with all three players involved. However, neither franchise has officially confirmed the news yet. Both teams will need to send a formal expression of interest to the IPL governing council, naming the players in the trade. Once the players provide written consent, the final agreement can be completed and approved by the governing council.

Sanju Samson has been one of Rajasthan Royals’ most loyal and successful players. Having represented RR for 11 seasons, he has also served as captain since 2021. Samson joined the franchise as a young talent and soon became their key player. In 2022, under his leadership and with guidance from team director Kumar Sangakkara, RR reached the IPL final for the first time since 2008.

During his captaincy, Samson led RR in 67 matches, winning 33 and losing 33. In the 2024 IPL season, he scored 531 runs with an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47 — his best performance in the league. Samson is RR’s all-time leading run-scorer with 4027 runs, has the most catches (149), and holds the joint-highest individual score (124). However, a side injury in the 2025 season kept him out of the second half, and RR’s campaign collapsed, finishing ninth.

After the disappointing 2025 season, Samson reportedly informed RR that he wanted a change. He requested the team to release him and allow him to explore new opportunities. This decision prompted RR management to begin trade discussions with other franchises, eventually leading to talks with CSK for a possible swap involving Jadeja and Curran.

Ravindra Jadeja has been one of CSK’s most iconic players. He joined the team in 2012 and has been a key part of three title wins. In the 2023 final, Jadeja played a heroic role, scoring the winning runs against Gujarat Titans. That year was also his best with the ball, taking 20 wickets. In the 2025 season, he added 301 runs, including two half-centuries, showing his continued value.

Jadeja has featured in 254 IPL matches, the fifth-highest in the league’s history. He is CSK’s highest wicket-taker with 143 wickets, and his best bowling figures are 5 for 16. Alongside MS Dhoni, he holds the most Player-of-the-Match awards (16) for CSK. Although Jadeja briefly captained the team in 2022, he later handed the role back to Dhoni after a tough start.

Sam Curran, the England allrounder, has had an eventful IPL career. He started with Punjab Kings in 2019 and returned there in 2023 after being bought for a record INR 18.5 crore. Curran previously played for CSK in 2020 and 2021, where he impressed with his all-round abilities. CSK bought him back in 2025 for INR 2.4 crore, but his season was quiet — scoring 114 runs and taking just one wicket in five games.

Interestingly, Ravindra Jadeja began his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals in 2008 as a 19-year-old. He was part of RR’s first title-winning squad under Shane Warne. This trade could mark an emotional return for him to the team where his IPL journey began.

If completed, this trade will be a major shake-up in the IPL. For CSK, Samson could be the perfect replacement for MS Dhoni, who is nearing retirement. Samson’s leadership and batting skills would help the team transition smoothly into a new era. For RR, Jadeja’s experience and Curran’s all-round talent would strengthen their middle order and bowling attack.

Both franchises are yet to make any public statement, and the IPL governing council must still approve the deal. However, the move has already generated huge excitement among fans. If confirmed, it will be remembered as one of the biggest player trades in IPL history, potentially changing the balance of the league ahead of IPL 2026.