According to a report in Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have completed the player swap deal. The Royals are set to welcome back Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, while Sanju Samson will move to the Super Kings ahead of the IPL retention deadline (Saturday, November 15).
All ten IPL franchises have to confirm their retention lists by November 15 before the upcoming mini-auction, which is likely to be held in December. Teams can retain as many players as they want. There are no restrictions on retention, but each team can have a maximum of 25 players, including 8 foreign players.
Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja deal completed between CSK and RR
BCCI has confirmed that the trade between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja will be finalized once all the franchises confirm the retention of their players ahead of the auction.
The deal initially faced technical difficulties as Rajasthan Royals did not have any overseas slots available in their squad. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has resolved the issue. An official announcement confirming the Samson-Jadeja trade is expected on Saturday.
“For the record, the trade was hit by a technical glitch due to the lack of available overseas slots in the Royals squad, as first reported by Cricbuzz on November 11, which has been cleared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The official announcement is expected on Saturday (November 15),” the report said.
Once MS Dhoni’s job is done, will the team have a representative face? – CEO
The report also states that Chennai Super Kings had been chasing Sanju Samson for almost three years. The CEO of an IPL franchise, speaking anonymously, described the deal as a “sweetheart arrangement” in favor of Rajasthan Royals.
The CEO said that it is surprising to see Jadeja being released so easily, especially when MS Dhoni is nearing retirement. The official also raised questions on the future identity of the franchise after Dhoni’s retirement.
“It is quite shocking that a franchise player who has been a star performer for CSK was let go so easily. With MS Dhoni on the verge of retirement, who is the face of CSK? After MS, it was always Ravindra Jadeja. Once MS is gone, does the team have a representative face?” The report quoted the CEO as saying.
Ravindra Jadeja in discussion with MS Dhoni ahead of trade process
The report states that Ravindra Jadeja spoke to MS Dhoni before the trade discussions began. Notably, both players felt that the deal would benefit all parties involved.
“The two spoke before the trade process began and both clearly agreed that this move is in the best interests of all concerned,” the report claimed.
The Super Kings are reportedly preparing to make improvements ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline. Multiple reports on Friday claimed that the franchise could release several players, including Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Jamie Overton.
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