IPL Trade Cleared: Sanju Samson to CSK, Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals

In a blockbuster pre-auction trade that has sent shockwaves through the Indian Premier League (IPL) ecosystem, Rajasthan Royals have finalised the transfer of their long-serving captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings, with hours to spare before the November 15, 2025, retention deadline for the 2026 season. The deal, cleared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after overcoming initial hurdles related to squad slots and financial adjustments, sees the five-time champions acquiring Samson in exchange for veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and England's Sam Curran. This high-profile swap, first reported by Cricbuzz on November 11, underscores the franchises' strategic recalibrations following CSK's dismal last-place finish in IPL 2025 and RR's quest for renewed balance in their lineup.

The transaction received a crucial nod from CSK icon MS Dhoni, who reportedly engaged in discussions with Jadeja prior to the process, deeming it mutually beneficial amid Dhoni's impending retirement and the franchise's leadership transition. Samson, retained by RR for INR 18 crore ahead of the 2025 auction and the franchise's all-time leading run-scorer with 4,027 runs in 149 matches, had expressed a desire for change post-season, attracting interest from multiple teams, including Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants. For CSK, who had pursued the Kerala stalwart for three years, Samson fills a void at the top order and behind the stumps, potentially positioning him as a successor figurehead in the post-Dhoni era. An IPL CEO, speaking anonymously, described the arrangement as a "sweetheart deal" for RR, highlighting the value of regaining Jadeja—whose IPL journey began with the Royals in 2008—and the versatile Curran, acquired by CSK for INR 2.4 crore in the previous auction.

Jadeja's return to RR evokes nostalgia, as the 36-year-old all-rounder, a key architect of CSK's five titles since joining in 2012 (barring a two-year suspension), brings proven middle-order firepower and spin-bowling nous—evidenced by his 301 runs and economical spells in IPL 2025. Curran, despite a modest 2025 output of 114 runs and one wicket, adds overseas all-round depth and seam options to bolster RR's bowling attack. The trade navigated IPL regulations stipulating a 48-hour approval window and restrictions on immediate post-auction trades for players like Curran, with RR covering the financial differential to finalise the INR 18 crore straight swap for Samson and Jadeja. Social media erupted with reactions, from CSK fans hailing Samson's arrival as a "new lion in the pride" to RR supporters celebrating Jadeja's homecoming, amplifying the buzz ahead of official announcements expected later on November 15.

Also Read: Rajasthan Royals’ Last-Minute Conditions Stop Sanju Samson’s Trade to Delhi Capitals

As the dust settles, both franchises pivot toward broader squad overhauls. CSK, grappling with a batting collapse that yielded the league's lowest powerplay run rate (8.70) and second-fewest sixes (102) in 2025, confirmed the release of opener Devon Conway after his three-year stint, alongside underperformers Rahul Tripathi (55 runs in five games), Deepak Hooda (31 runs in six), Rachin Ravindra, Vijay Shankar, and Jamie Overton to bolster their auction purse. RR, meanwhile, gains tactical flexibility but faces questions on captaincy succession post-Samson. This seismic shift not only reshapes two storied IPL outfits but also sets the stage for a fiercely competitive 2026 auction, where emerging talents and international stars will vie to fill the voids left by these titanic exchanges.

Also Read: Who Will Lead Rajasthan Royals if Sanju Samson Leaves Ahead of IPL 2026?