Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have rejoined the Sanju Samson trade discussions. The wicketkeeper has formally requested the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to release him prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction.
It’s believed that Samson didn’t see eye-to-eye with RR ever since they released Jos Buttler before the mega auction in 2024. Amid all of this, CSK was the first franchise that showed interest in getting Samson into the yellow jersey, but pulled out.
CSK rejoins Samson trade race
Last week, we heard that the Delhi Capitals (DC) were in discussion with RR about Samson. The wicketkeeper had played for Delhi back in 2016 and 2017. Back then, it was known as the Daredevils. RR had reportedly asked for South African batter Tristan Stubbs and another uncapped Indian player for Samson.
DC hadn’t yet replied to RR about the matter. And in between all of this, CSK might have rejoined the Samson trade race. According to Cricbuzz, RR lead owner Manoj Badale has written to multiple franchises, including Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, about a potential trade and will spearhead the negotiations personally.
Top CSK player for Samson
Badale has named specific players in return for Samson to the franchises. As mentioned above, Stubbs’ name came up with DC. For CSK, RR had already asked for one of Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, or Shivam Dube. Previously, CSK weren’t interested in trading any of them.
Dube is the only player among the three who features in T20Is and can be an asset for the next 5 years. Jadeja has been with CSK since 2012, and Gaikwad is their captain.
CSK are ready to send a top player over to RR in order to get hold of Samson. They have written to the said player about his decision. If he agrees, Samson might don the yellow jersey in IPL 2026.
