Official! Sanju Samson joins Chennai Super Kings, Ravindra Jadeja-Sam Curran traded to Rajasthan Royals

Official! Sanju Samson joins Chennai Super Kings, Ravindra Jadeja-Sam Curran traded to Rajasthan Royals (BCCI Photo)

In a blockbuster IPL trade deal, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have roped in wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran ahead of IPL 2026.

The announcement puts an end to months of speculation. Samson joins CSK at his existing league fee of Rs 18 crore. He brings in a wealth of experience, having amassed over 4500 runs throughout his IPL career. It is also anticipated that he is being projected as the one to replace MS Dhoni, who is now 44 and in the twilight of his IPL career.

Samson has previously represented Delhi Capitals apart from the Royals, where he also served as the skipper for five IPL seasons (from 2021 to 2025). Under his leadership, Royals even reached the final in the 2022 season but had to be content with a runners-up position.

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Meanwhile, Jadeja's price has been revised to Rs 14 crore from the previous Rs 18 crore price tag.  The all-rounder has been one of the mainstays in the CSK camp since 2012, barring the two editions when the franchise were serving a suspension. He won three IPL titles with CSK – 2018, 2021 and 2023. Jadeja has over 150 wickets and has amassed more than 2300 runs while playing for the Super Kings.

Interestingly, Rajasthan Royals was the franchise where Jadeja began his IPL career, also winning the inaugural edition with the Jaipur-based franchise.

Curran, on the other hand, joins Royals at his existing league fee of INR 2.4 crore. He too has lifted the IPL title with CSK in 2021. The England all-rounder has represented the Super Kings in IPL 2020, 2021 and 2025. Curran has featured in 28 matches for CSK, in which he scored 356 runs and registered 23 wickets.

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"A transition in a team's journey is never easy. Trading out a player like Ravindra Jadeja, who has been an integral part of the franchise for more than a decade, and Sam Curran was one of the toughest decisions we have taken in the team's history.

"The decision was taken with mutual understanding with both Jadeja and Curran. We are deeply grateful for Jadeja's extraordinary contributions and the legacy he leaves behind. We wish both Jadeja and Curran the best for the future.

"We also welcome Sanju Samson, whose skill-set and achievements complement our ambitions. This decision has been made with great thought, respect, and a long-term vision," KS Viswanathan, the managing director of CSK, was quoted as saying in an official statement released by the franchise.