Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson has officially been traded to Chennai Super Kings for ₹18 crore ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2026 retention deadline (Saturday, November 15). Ravindra Jadeja has returned to his first franchise in the IPL, but his fee has been reduced by ₹4 crore.
IPL franchises will announce their retention and release lists on Saturday, November 15. After retention and release, each team will enter the 2026 mini-auction with its remaining purse. Overseas auctions are expected to be held once again in December, with a number of players likely to be available.
Ravindra Jadeja’s IPL salary reduced from ₹18 crore to ₹14 crore after CSK-RR trade
The trade of Ravindra Jadeja from Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals was confirmed on Saturday, 15 November. As part of the exchange, Sanju Samson joined Chennai Super Kings at the current price of ₹18 crore, the same amount for which he was retained by Rajasthan before the last mega auction.
Jadeja, who was CSK’s top pick at ₹18 crore, will now play for the Royals on a reduced contract of ₹14 crore per season after a renegotiation between the two franchises. English all-rounder Sam Curran moved from Chennai to Rajasthan for his current fee of ₹2.4 crore.
The all-rounder ended his 12-season stint with Chennai. Notably, Jadeja played for the Jaipur-based franchise in the first two editions. He was banned from the 2010 season for violating IPL guidelines.
Ravindra Jadeja is the highest wicket taker for Chennai Super Kings.
Ravindra Jadeja started his IPL journey with this franchise in 2008. During his stint with the Royals, he played 27 matches across two seasons, scoring 430 runs and taking six wickets. The left-handed batsman joined Chennai Super Kings in 2012.
Jadeja played 186 matches for Super Kings. He scored 2,198 runs at an average of 28.55 with a strike rate of 136.10. With the ball, he took 143 wickets at an economy of 7.64. He is CSK’s all-time leading wicket-taker.
He played a key role in the team’s IPL title wins in 2018, 2021 and 2023 and led the team for a brief period in 2022 before handing over the captaincy to MS Dhoni.
Sam Curran will join Rajasthan as his third IPL team. The English all-rounder has played 64 matches so far representing Punjab Kings and CSK. He and Jadeja are expected to strengthen Rajasthan’s all-round department ahead of IPL 2026.
Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform – Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja expressed his delight on his return to Rajasthan Royals, the franchise from where his IPL journey began and where he won the trophy in the first season of the league. He said that the Royals gave him early opportunities and his first taste of success.
In an official statement released by RR, Jadeja said, “Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory. It feels special to come back – it’s not just a team for me, it’s home. Rajasthan Royals is where I won my first IPL, and I hope to win more with this current group of players.”
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