India’s wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and CSK’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are negotiating a potential trade between the five-time champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the first-ever IPL champion Rajasthan Royals (RR). According to reports, one of the largest possible player trades in recent memory may occur during the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2026 trade window.
Before the forthcoming IPL 2026 auction, Samson, who has been a key member of the Royals since the 2018 mega-sale and its captain since 2021, is said to have requested to be dismissed from the team. Samson and the RR administration have reportedly been at odds, especially after the team decided to release Jos Buttler before the 2024 auction, a decision that upset the batsman from Kerala.
Ongoing talks, however, are for the possible Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja.
Cricbuzz claims that Manoj Badale, the primary owner of RR, has personally contacted a number of teams, including the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and CSK. Samson is still one of India’s most reliable white-ball hitters, and the Royals have apparently formally communicated their interest in signing him to these organizations.
Manoj Badale, the owner of the Royals, talks with other franchisees
According to reports, RR has asked for Ruturaj Gaikwad or Jadeja in return for Samson. But the management of CSK, which is headed by head coach Stephen Fleming and CEO Kasi Viswanathan, has shown no interest in letting go of either of their key players.
Sources, however, attest that CSK has been back in touch with RR to discuss the possibility of bringing Samson to Chennai. As they get ready for their retention meeting on November 10 and 11, which will include input from MS Dhoni, Gaikwad, and Fleming, the franchise is apparently considering a number of options. Before CSK finalizes its retention list by November 15 in preparation for the IPL 2026 big auction in December, it is thought that Samson’s possible entry could be mentioned during this meeting.
Shivam Dube has also been brought up in early conversations, even though Jadeja’s name is still a popular subject in these exchanges. However, Chennai, who view Dube as an essential component of their long-term T20 strategy, is expected to resist the idea of releasing him.
Manoj Badale, the owner of the Royals, is currently in Mumbai and is still speaking with other teams. The Delhi Capitals have also expressed interest, but talks have been difficult because of RR’s alleged demand for Tristan Stubbs in addition to an uncapped Indian player.
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