Rajasthan Royals (RR) Sanju Samson could move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) through a swap deal that would send all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and another player. The two franchises have reportedly been in talks for nearly five months, with MS Dhoni engaging with Jadeja on his stance on the potential move.
Jadeja and Samson were retained by their respective teams for ₹18 crore last year. Both franchises had disappointing campaigns in the IPL 2025 season.
CSK and RR ended the season in the bottom two positions of the points table, prompting both sides to consider bold changes ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
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Ravindra Jadeja Agreed to the Trade Deal After Discussions With MS Dhoni
According to The Indian Express, Chennai Super Kings’ leadership group, comprising MS Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and head coach Stephen Fleming, held detailed internal talks before moving ahead with the trade discussions.
Dhoni later spoke directly with Ravindra Jadeja to understand his willingness to join Rajasthan Royals, and only after the all-rounder agreed did negotiations progress. However, Rajasthan have requested an additional player in the deal.
“The Indian Express understands that before taking forward the discussions, CSK’s top brass– Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and head coach Stephen Fleming–had lengthy discussions.”
“It is understood that Dhoni was involved in the discussions with Jadeja to gauge his interest, and only after the all-rounder too agreed on a move to Rajasthan that further talks took shape,” the report read.
CSK initially explored a cash component to simplify the transfer. They are eager to bring in Samson, considering Dhoni’s limited batting role last season. The veteran featured mostly in the lower order while the team finished last in IPL 2025.
Ravindra Jadeja Started His IPL Career With the Rajasthan Royals in 2008
Ravindra Jadeja represented Rajasthan in 2008 under Shane Warne and was part of their title-winning squad in the inaugural season.
He moved to the 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 smashed a four and a six off the last two balls in the 2023 final against the Gujarat Titans (GT).
The 36-year-old was appointed captain in 2022. However, Dhoni had to take over the captaincy after Jadeja’s resignation. Ravindra Jadeja scored 301 runs in 14 innings and picked up 10 wickets in the last season, where CSK finished at the bottom of the table.
Sanju Samson Joined the Rajasthan Royals as a Teenager in 2013
Sanju Samson joined the 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 batter rejoined the team ahead of the IPL 2018 season.
He amassed 531 runs in the 2024 season at an impressive average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47. However, the following season proved challenging as injuries disrupted his rhythm.
Samson managed 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, with 26 half-centuries and three centuries.
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