A player trade, potentially one of the biggest in IPL history, is reportedly in its final stages between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. CSK is pursuing wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who has expressed a desire to leave the Royals, possibly as a long-term replacement for MS Dhoni. In exchange, RR is expected to receive former CSK captain and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who began his IPL career with the Rajasthan franchise.
The discussions, which have been active for months, reportedly involve more than just a straight swap of players. While both Samson and Jadeja are valued in the ₹18 crore bracket, Rajasthan Royals are understood to have demanded at least one more player as part of the deal.
The secondary player in the transaction is currently the main sticking point: CSK is offering England all-rounder Sam Curran, but RR is reportedly keen on young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. CSK, however, is hesitant to let go of Pathirana, whom they view as a key asset for the future.
The franchise top brass, including MS Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and coach Stephen Fleming, were reportedly involved in lengthy discussions, with Dhoni even consulting with Jadeja to gauge his interest in the move. It is understood that Jadeja, who played a crucial role in CSK’s 2023 title win with his last-over heroics, has agreed to the move back to the Royals, where he won the inaugural IPL title in 2008.
The negotiations for Samson's transfer gained urgency after a potential deal with Delhi Capitals involving a swap for Tristan Stubbs fell through. RR had demanded an uncapped player, reportedly Sameer Rizvi, alongside Stubbs, which DC was unwilling to entertain. This led RR to reopen talks with CSK, who had initially pressed for an all-cash deal but were compelled to include a player swap. The trade, if finalized, would mark the first player swap in CSK's history.
The final days leading up to the retention deadline will provide clarity on whether the trade will be finalized with Sam Curran or another player included, or if the deal collapses, sending Samson back to the auction pool. For now, the prospect of Jadeja returning to his first IPL team, and Samson donning the yellow jersey to bolster CSK's batting firepower, remains a distinct possibility in what could redefine the core of both franchises for the IPL 2026 season.
