Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are reportedly in talks again over a potential trade involving Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026. Sanju Samson had requested Rajasthan Royals (RR) to release him before the upcoming IPL 2026 auction.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman made the move following his ongoing tension with the Royals, which reportedly started when the franchise released Jos Buttler ahead of the 2024 mega auction. Earlier, Chennai Super Kings had shown interest in signing Samson but ultimately backed out.
CSK rejoins race to trade Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026
RR were reportedly asking for CSK’s main players, and they refused. Even Delhi Capitals (DC) were involved in discussions with the Royals on the possibility of buying Samson. The Kerala star had previously played for the Delhi-based franchise in 2016 and 2017.
Also read: KL Rahul or Ishan Kishan? CSK’s top target for IPL auction revealed
However, RR are demanding a high price for Samson, as they are reportedly demanding South African batsman Tristan Stubbs along with an uncapped Indian player in return. Delhi Capitals is yet to respond to RR’s demands, leaving the situation in uncertainty.
Amidst the uncertainty, Chennai Super Kings have brought Sanju Samson back into the race ahead of his retention. It is being said that a top player of CSK may be included in this deal. According to RevSportz reporter Rohit Juglan, that top player is Ravindra Jadeja.
RR owner Manoj Badale, who recently arrived in Mumbai from London, is exploring multiple options and has opened communication lines not only with CSK but also with franchises like Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC).
Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals considering swapping ‘key’ players
It is being said that a key CSK player is potentially part of the talks, and the franchise has already reached out to check if he is interested in a move to Rajasthan. This type of trade could allow both teams to balance their squads while giving players a new opportunity to make an impact.
The situation is expected to become clear in the coming days, as the final decision will depend on the consensus of the players and the strategic considerations of both the franchises.
A report in Cricbuzz reads: “Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have again been in touch over a potential trade involving Sanju Samson, and it would not be surprising if a top CSK player is included in the deal. A message has been sent to the player to check if he is comfortable with a move to RR.”
Also Read: “MS Dhoni has told us that he…” – CSK CEO’s explosive revelation on the veteran’s IPL future
CSK to finalize retention on November 10-11 as trade talks heat up with Sanju Samson
With the IPL 2026 auction set to take place in mid-December, teams are looking to strengthen their lineups before the retention deadline ends on November 15.
CSK are scheduled to hold an internal meeting involving MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Stephen Fleming on November 10 and 11 to finalize their retention for the upcoming season and only then will Samson’s deal be finalised.
Notably, the Royals had already demanded Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad or Shivam Dubey in the trade with CSK. The franchise has rejected Dube’s release, as he is their premier T20 all-rounder and long-term asset.
Now, RR may insist on Jadeja or Gaikwad, but considering Jadeja’s long tenure and Gaikwad’s role as captain, CSK is unlikely to let him go. Now, it remains to be seen who will leave CSK to bring Samson on board ahead of the auction.