Former India cricketer Akash Chopra has reacted to reports that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are interested in Sanju Samson’s business from Rajasthan Royals (RR). Chopra said that in exchange for Royals Sanju Samson, Ravichandran can look for a high-value player like Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja.
According to a PTI report, six RR players have taken interest from other IPL teams during the initial phase of the trading window, which began on June 4. The window will remain open until a week before the 2026 auction, then it will open again after the auction and stop a month before the next season.
Rajasthan can demand Ashwin or Jadeja in return – Akash Chopra
Akash Chopra said that if CSK makes a formal proposal, Rajasthan can demand Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja in return. Chopra said that the discussion has not taken place at the point where specific names have been discussed.
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“Has this business? CSK has expressed interest, but they have not reached the stage of talks, where possible trade names have been discussed. Rajasthan either want Ashwin or Jadeja in turn.
According to Cricbuzz, a Chennai’s Super Kings official confirmed that the franchise was open to welcome Sanju Samson. However, CSK has not yet started formal talks with Royals management about potential business for RR captain.
Sanju Samson has been with Rajasthan Royals since joining 2018 again
Sanju Samson has been a part of Rajasthan Royals since the franchise in 2018 after a two -year tenure with Delhi Capital (DC). Ahead of 2025 mega auction, Rajasthan retained him for ₹ 18 crore.
The emergence of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in IPL 2025 has added depth to RR’s batting line-up. Vaibhav opened the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal, pushed Samson in the middle order.
Samson’s IPL 2025 campaign was killed by injuries. He began the tournament as an influence player in the first three matches before the stomach injury against Delhi’s capitals, excluding them for five matches. Rajasthan Royals failed to qualify for playoffs under head coach Rahul Dravid.
A CSK official has said that he is interested and curious – Akash Chopra
Amidst the ongoing speculation about a possible trade, Akash Chopra said that Sanju Samson may succeed MS Dhoni in Chennai Super Kings. Chopra said that he sees Samson as an alternative to play a role in Dhoni’s later era.
“A CSK official has stated that he is interested and curious. He feels that it would be very good to be Samson as he is a protector-better, and he needs to plan beyond MS Dhoni. So he can be a great option,” said Chopra.
Chennai Super Kings ended at the bottom of the IPL 2025 standing. He chose Gujarat’s unkapped wicketkeeper-boss Uril Patel as an injury replacement for Vansh Bedi. Patel scored 68 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 212.50, but did not take wickets and remained unused in that role.
MS Dhoni has not confirmed his availability for IPL 2026. After the 2025 season, experienced said that he was taking his time before taking a decision. CSK should now start a plan for the future beyond his prestigious captain.
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