Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja swap on the cards? RR, CSK could trigger IPL's biggest trade believes ex-IND batter

CSK are looking for a replacement keeper for MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson is one of the best in India. (IPL Photo)

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has addressed the swirling rumors linking Sanju Samson with a potential move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from Rajasthan Royals (RR). According to a report by Cricbuzz, multiple IPL franchises — including five-time champions CSK — have reportedly shown interest in trading for the RR captain.

The report quoted a CSK official, involved in the decision-making process, as saying on condition of anonymity, "We are definitely looking at Sanju. He is an Indian batter, who is a keeper and an opener. So if he is available, we will certainly have a look at the option of having him in our fold. Who we will trade him with we have not taken that call because the matter has not gone that far. But yes, in principle, we are interested."

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However, neither the cricketer nor the franchises have acknowledged or even hinted at the rumors. Aakash Chopra has now suggested that if talks with CSK do progress, Rajasthan Royals may ask for an experienced player in return.

Chopra implied that if the two teams are able to come to an agreement on a transfer, either Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin might go.

"Will this trade happen? CSK have expressed interest, but they haven't reached the stage of talks where potential trade names have been discussed. Rajasthan may want either Ashwin or Jadeja in return. It's well within their rights to ask, if the trade ever progresses that far," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chopra further clarified why it makes sense for CSK to pursue Samson.

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"A CSK official has said they are interested and keen. They feel it would be great to have Samson because he's a keeper-batter, and they need to plan beyond MS Dhoni. So he could be a very good option," he highlighted.

Samson has been with the Royals since 2018 and was appointed captain of the team in 2021, but it is unclear if the player trade, if it occurs, will feature another significant player or will be an all-cash deal. For six straight seasons, Sanju Samson, who plays for the Rajasthan Royals, is the only player to score more than fifty runs in the opening game of a season.