Reports have emerged that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have turned down a trade proposal from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) involving Sanju Samson. RR reportedly offered Samson in exchange for Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube. However, CSK has declined the offer.

It was reported that Sanju Samson had requested to be traded or released by RR ahead of the 2026 IPL auction. Following this request, RR approached multiple franchises, including CSK, to explore potential trade opportunities for their captain. CSK emerged as a potential destination. However, CSK is seemingly unwilling to part with key players like Gaikwad and Jadeja.

Why CSK Might Want Samson

Sanju Samson has been a consistent performer in the IPL since 2013. He has amassed over 4,000 runs in his IPL career and has three centuries to his name. Samson has been the captain of Rajasthan Royals since 2021. In 2024, Samson had his best season, scoring 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47. He has also been a consistent scorer in the first match of the season for RR.

Some see Samson as a potential successor to MS Dhoni, providing an aggressive opening option, a wicketkeeper, and an experienced captaincy candidate.

Why CSK Might Not Want to Trade Gaikwad or Jadeja

• Ruturaj Gaikwad: Gaikwad is considered a vital part of the CSK setup. He was the captain of CSK in 2024. Gaikwad has been a consistent performer for CSK, and in 2021, he was the first player in IPL history to win both the Orange Cap and the Emerging Player Award.
• Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja is an experienced all-rounder who has been a key player for CSK for many years. He is a left-handed batsman and bowls left-arm orthodox spin. Jadeja has been with CSK since 2008 and was acquired by the franchise for INR 18.00 Cr in the 2025 IPL Auction.

Sanju Samson's Connection to Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson has expressed his deep connection to the Rajasthan Royals. He has been part of the RR setup since 2013 and has been the team's captain since 2021. Samson said that RR has meant the world to him, providing him with a platform to showcase his talent.

Other Teams Interested in Samson

While CSK may not be willing to trade key players for Samson, other IPL franchises are reportedly interested in acquiring him. This could lead to a bidding war for Samson's services.

Possible Future Scenarios

With CSK rejecting the trade proposal, several scenarios could unfold:

• Cash-only deal: CSK could pursue a cash-only deal for Samson, meaning RR would agree to sell him without taking any players in return.
• Auction: Samson could enter the IPL 2026 auction, where multiple teams could bid for him.
• Samson stays with RR: Despite the trade request, Samson could remain with the Rajasthan Royals.