Rajasthan Royals (RR) Sanju Samson could go to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) via a swap deal that will send all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and one other player. The two franchises have reportedly been in talks for around five months, with MS Dhoni in talks with Jadeja over his stance on a possible move.
Last year, Jadeja and Samson were retained by their respective teams for ₹18 crore. Both the franchises had a disappointing campaign in the IPL 2025 season.
CSK and RR finished the season in the bottom two spots of the points table, prompting both sides to consider major changes ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Ravindra Jadeja agreed to the trade deal after discussion with MS Dhoni.
According to The Indian Express, the leadership group of Chennai Super Kings, comprising MS Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and head coach Stephen Fleming, held detailed internal talks before moving ahead with trade discussions.
Dhoni later spoke directly to Ravindra Jadeja to understand his desire to join Rajasthan Royals and the talks progressed only after the all-rounder agreed. However, Rajasthan have requested an additional player in the deal.
“The Indian Express understands that before taking the discussions forward, top CSK officials – Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and head coach Stephen Fleming – had a lengthy discussion.”
“It is understood that Dhoni was involved in discussions with Jadeja to gauge his interest, and further talks took place when the all-rounder also agreed to move to Rajasthan,” the report said.
CSK initially explored a cash component to simplify transfers. Given Dhoni’s limited batting role last season, they are keen to bring in Samson. The veteran performed mostly in the lower order while the team finished last in IPL 2025.
Ravindra Jadeja started his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals in 2008.
Ravindra Jadeja represented Rajasthan under Shane Warne in 2008 and was part of their title-winning team in the inaugural season.
He moved to Chennai Super Kings in 2012 and has been an integral part of the team’s success. Ravindra Jadeja won three IPL titles in 2018, 2021 and 2023.
Jadeja has played 254 IPL matches, scoring 3,260 runs and taking 170 wickets. He hit a four and a six off the last two balls in the 2023 final against Gujarat Titans (GT).
The 36-year-old was appointed captain in 2022. However, after Jadeja’s resignation, Dhoni had to take over the captaincy. Ravindra Jadeja scored 301 runs and took 10 wickets in 14 innings last season, where CSK finished bottom of the table.
Sanju Samson joined Rajasthan Royals as a teenager in 2013
Sanju Samson joined Rajasthan Royals in 2013 as a teenager. He played for Delhi Capitals during the 2016–17 season when the Jaipur-based franchise was banned for two years. The right-handed batsman rejoined the team ahead of the IPL 2018 season.
He scored 531 runs in the 2024 season at an impressive average of 48.27 and strike rate of 153.47. However, the next season proved challenging as injuries disrupted his form.
Samson scored 285 runs in nine matches during the 2025 season at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.39, including one half-century. Overall, he has played 177 matches, scoring 4,704 runs at an average of 30.94 and a strike rate of 139.04, including 26 half-centuries and three centuries.
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