The name of star batsman-wicketkeeper Sanju Samson is now gaining a lot of attention in IPL trade talks, as several teams, including Chennai Super Kings (CSK), are expressing a great desire to sign the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain before the 2026 tournament.
CSK affirms that Sanju Samson is of interest.
According to a Cricbuzz article, there is a lot of interest in Sanju Samson possible move, particularly from CSK, who are looking into long-term leadership and wicketkeeping options. These rumours are not just social media rumours. According to a top CSK official, the team intends to investigate the possibilities of adding Samson to their roster.
“We’re examining Sanju Samson. He is an Indian batsman who also serves as an opener and keeper. Therefore, we will definitely look into the possibility of having him join our team if he is available. Since the situation hasn’t progressed that far, we haven’t decided who we would exchange him with. However, the CSK official acknowledged that, “in theory, we are interested.”
Trading window for players:
Franchises are permitted to swap players during the current IPL trading window, subject to certain restrictions. Only during specific windows—the first of which started seven days after the 2025 season and ends seven days prior to the 2026 auction—can players be traded. Only one trade per player is permitted for the forthcoming season.
Trades may be carried out as:
All-cash transactions, or straight trades, Trade with a Negotiated Increase (the selling team and the player split the higher League Fee), Trade with a reduced league fee, which needs the player’s written assent and the BCCI’s sanction.
A NOC from the relevant board is required if a foreign player is involved in the trade. The buying team’s wage cap is used to determine the moved player’s league fee, although any money transferred between teams is not.
How can Sanju Samson be brought by CSK?
In the meantime, CSK’s top priority would be to match Samson’s INR 18 crore league fee. Notably, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose retention value is also INR 18 crore, may be included in the trade. However, Gaikwad’s appointment as captain was a long-term strategy, as CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has stated time and time again, making such a deal implausible.
Shivam Dube and Ravichandran Ashwin might potentially be traded in the deal. The transaction might work out financially. The combined worth of Ashwin and Dube is INR 21.75 crore, which is higher than Samson’s asking price.
The Rajasthan Royals respond to trade rumours
Notably, the Rajasthan Royals have acknowledged that they have received numerous trade requests for players like Dhruv Jurel in addition to Samson. Head coach Rahul Dravid was present at the team’s most recent post-season evaluation meeting in London. However, RR principal owner Manoj Badale is anticipated to make a final decision. He has not responded to attempts to contact him.
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