Blockbuster IPL 2026 trade on the cards? Sanju Samson–Ravindra Jadeja–Sam Curran swap talk heats up

Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja swap on the cards. (Photo: X)

Sanju Samson going to Chennai Super Kings, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran heading to Rajasthan Royals could be the blockbuster swap deal ahead of the 2026 IPL player retention followed by a mini-auction. Will it happen? Nothing has been finalised yet, but it is learnt that the negotiations between the two franchises have intensified.

Asked about the possibility of such a deal, a CSK official said: “Nothing is confirmed.” A video put out by the five-time IPL champions on their X (formerly Twitter) handle sort of doused the Sanju trade rumours. The clip featured CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan with the team mascot Leo — the two joking about a fake social media post that the former was being traded to Punjab Kings, with PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta coming the other way. A Tamil track overlaid with a Malayalam verse in the video clearly hinted at the Sanju rumours.

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Use #LeoHotline and ask your questions #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/59gBKCrr2L

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 8, 2025

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who led Royals until the 2025 IPL, reportedly wanted out at the end of the last edition of the tournament. A story linking Sanju to CSK instantly started to do the rounds, but the franchise had rubbished the rumours. CSK are said to have re-engaged in negotiations with Royals over the last few days. “Advanced stages apparently,” a source in the know told this correspondent. All said and done, Sanju still has two years left of his contract with Royals, and Manoj Badale, the principal owner of the franchise, will have the last word on the player's IPL future.

Also Read | IPL 2026 auction to take place in December on THIS date in India - Report

CSK retained Jadeja for Rs 18 crore ahead of last year's mega-auction. It's not easy for them to part ways with the veteran all-rounder, especially on the heels of Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement. Jadeja is a true-blue Yellow, who also briefly served as CSK captain. The die-hard CSK fans call him ‘Thalapathy’.

So apart from the monetary package, Jadeja’s consent would be essential before a deal is inked.