Chennai: In a move that could go down as one of the biggest trade deals in IPL history, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might part ways with Ravindra Jadeja to acquire Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals.
With the IPL 2026 player retention deadline set for November 15, trade windows have opened, allowing franchises to exchange players. ESPNcricinfo reports that Rajasthan Royals could trade Sanju Samson for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from CSK.
The trade has sparked debates on whether CSK is making a strategic blunder by sacrificing one of their greatest match-winners. Jadeja, who has been a cornerstone at CSK for 13 years, holds the record for most Player of the Match awards in the yellow jersey — 17 times. At CSK’s home ground, the Chepauk Stadium, Jadeja boasts impressive statistics with both bat and ball, scoring runs at a decent average and taking 37 wickets in 55 T20 matches, proving his impact as a match-turner.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson’s arrival could strengthen CSK’s batting line-up and bring in a potential future captain. However, his record at Chepauk is not convincing, with an average of just 12.18 across 11 T20 innings and a highest score of 31. Given that CSK will play at least seven group-stage matches at this venue, Samson’s performance there raises questions.
This trade, if finalised, could reshape team dynamics immensely. While Rajasthan Royals will welcome Jadeja back to their squad — his first IPL franchise — the uncertainty remains over how well he will perform after such a long association with CSK.
For CSK fans, the decision to let go of a proven champion in exchange for a promising player is a gamble that could define their IPL 2026 journey.