Former Team India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Punjab Kings (PBKS) had also tried to buy Sanju Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Ashwin also said that Rajasthan Royals had received an offer from PBKS to include all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, but they decided not to go ahead with the deal.
The market is hot with rumors as well as speculations about trades ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. As per the latest developments, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals are discussing a possible player swap. RR may get Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, while Sanju Samson may join Chennai Super Kings.
Marcus Stoinis could also be on the table – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Punjab Kings have also explored a move for Sanju Samson. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said that Rajasthan Royals were approached with an offer which also included Marcus Stoinis. He said that RR is looking for a finisher and a reliable bowler.
“I heard rumblings that not only were Delhi or Chennai in the race (to acquire Sanju Samson via trade), but Rajasthan also got a trade offer from Punjab Kings.”
Ravichandran Ashwin told Ash, “It was a very good offer. Rajasthan wanted a bowler and finisher combination. I heard Marcus Stoinis could also be on the table.”
Ashwin did not specify which bowler PBKS would have included in the proposed trade. Possibilities, depending on their squad makeup, could be experienced names like Yuzvendra Chahal or Harpreet Brar or young options like Vijaykumar Vaishya.
Sanju Samson has become the most sought after name in the ongoing trade discussions
Sanju Samson has become the most sought after name in the current business discussions. He has been with Rajasthan Royals and has also led the team in recent seasons. However, he performed below his usual standards in 2025. He played only nine matches due to injuries and scored 285 runs.
Chennai Super Kings have emerged as the strongest contenders to pull off a trade, with reports suggesting that they are keen to part ways with Ravindra Jadeja. CSK can include either Sam Curran or Mathisha Pathirana.
The combined price of Jadeja and Curran is around ₹20.40 crore, which is close to Samson’s price of ₹18 crore. Jadeja could go to Rajasthan in exchange for Samson, making this one of the most important trades of the upcoming IPL cycle.
Punjab Kings couldn’t match Chennai Super Kings’ trade offer for Sanju Samson
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings could not match Chennai Super Kings’ trade offer for Sanju Samson. Marcus Stoinis was bought for ₹11 crore, and PBKS will still need to add another player or cash to come close to CSK’s offer.
Apart from Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh, PBKS lacked high-value trade assets capable of balancing the swap for Samson, leaving their offer falling short of RR’s expectations.
With Punjab unable to strike a competitive deal, CSK are the frontrunners in the race to secure the Royals captain.
All franchises will have to finalize and submit their retention and release lists by November 15, while the mini-auction will be held in mid-December, the venue of which is yet to be finalised.
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