CSK set to trade Ravindra Jadeja for Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026
Speculations swirl every year predicting the end of MS Dhoni in the IPL. The IPL 2025 mega auction was poised as a crucial chance for Chennai Super Kings to scout for a fitting wicketkeeper-batter replacement for Dhoni. However, the five-time champions onboarded youngsters, dashing the rumours around going behind the likes of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. Another season down, one where CSK deep-dived into an unprecedented low, and Chennai is set to script one of the most shocking trade deals. Recent updates have suggested that a trade deal has all but been sealed with Rajasthan Royals, where CSK will give up Ravindra Jadeja to bring in Sanju Samson.
CSK set to trade away Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals, gearing up to welcome Sanju Samson
Rajasthan Royals did not let the IPL fever die down in the off-season after the conclusion of IPL 2025. The franchise staged a major overhaul, removing their CEO Jake Lush McCrum after letting go of Rahul Dravid within just one year of onboarding the veteran as the head coach. However, it was all reportedly a lead-up to the exit of their skipper Sanju Samson. With a reported captaincy tussle between Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Samson communicated his wish to be released from the RR camp. Since the initial update, Rajasthan management has been desperately trying to find a lucrative trade deal.
The initial reports suggested that Chennai Super Kings were ready to take Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026. However, CSK did not agree with RR's demand, where they were required to trade Shivam Dube along with some other players. Following that, several updates emerged regarding the future of Samson. Most recently, it was hinted that Delhi Capitals could trade their reliable middle-order prospect Tristan Stubbs in exchange for the RR captain.
However, the most sensational report has turned up now, laying the foundation of what could be one of the biggest trades in IPL history. After the initial deal was dashed, CSK and RR recently reignited their discussions, one that has been reported to have all but worked out. The IPL 2008 winners demanded Ravindra Jadeja and Dewald Brevis in exchange for Samson.
Shockingly, Jadeja is set to be let go, once CSK and RR come to terms with his accompanying player. The most successful IPL franchise refused to trade Brevis. Meanwhile, RR then demanded Matheesha Pathirana to be swapped along with Jadeja. However, Chennai Super Kings have reportedly refused to release the Sri Lankan pacer either. Meanwhile, the deal has now shaped up to involve Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange for Sanju Samson.
Ravindra Jadeja has agreed to CSK-RR swap, with MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming involved in the call
Ravindra Jadeja, who led CSK to the IPL 2023 title in a heroic show, has been a core prospect in the franchise camp for over a decade now. However, with the Super Kings in search of the ideal wicketkeeper-batter to take the load after the exit of MS Dhoni, Jadeja could exit CSK before Dhoni retires from the tournament. Several leading dailies have all but confirmed the trade deal, with just the official announcement awaited from the franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline.
According to the report, Rajasthan Royals had been intent on securing an Indian spin option as part of the deal for Sanju Samson and, from the very beginning, their preference had been Ravindra Jadeja. Before any progress was made on that front, it is understood that Jadeja held extended discussions with senior figures in the Super Kings setup, including former skipper MS Dhoni, current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and head coach Stephen Fleming, to evaluate the move.
"Dhoni was involved in the discussions with Jadeja to gauge his interest and only after the all-rounder too agreed on a move to Rajasthan that further talks took shape," the report revealed.
Once Jadeja’s inclusion was agreed upon, the Royals are said to have pressed further, attempting to bring Shivam Dube into the same trade package. Chennai Super Kings, however, did not consider that request and instead swiftly suggested Sam Curran as the supplementary trade piece, ruling out the possibility of parting ways with Matheesha Pathirana.
