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In a high-profile trade ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Sanju Samson is set to don the yellow jersey of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after being traded from Rajasthan Royals (RR). In exchange, RR have acquired star all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from CSK. This blockbuster swap is one of the biggest moves ahead of the IPL 2026 auction and could significantly reshape the fortunes of both teams.
CSK get Samson in exchange of Jadeja and Curran
As confirmed by Cricbuzz, the trade is a player exchange with Samson moving to CSK, while Jadeja and Curran strengthen the Rajasthan Royals’ squad. Samson, known for his aggressive batting and leadership qualities, is expected to bring stability and flair to CSK’s top order. Meanwhile, Jadeja, a five-time IPL champion with CSK and a vital spin-bowling all-rounder, along with England’s Sam Curran, add depth to RR’s all-round options.
All parties involved have given their consent and the BCCI will close the deal by Saturday evening ie. before the IPL 2026 retention deadline.
Strategic implications for CSK
CSK has been eager to bolster their batting firepower following a challenging IPL 2025 where they finished at the bottom of the points table. Adding Samson aligns with their strategy to inject fresh talent and proven match-winners to reclaim their dominance. Samson’s dynamic batting and prior IPL experience will offer CSK flexibility at the top and middle order, complementing their existing core including Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni.
However, the trade does leave a notable gap in CSK’s spin-bowling department with Jadeja’s departure, a void they hope to fill through upcoming auctions or existing squad options like Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad. Curran’s move to RR also reflects CSK’s recalibration of squad balance with a focus on key roles.
Rajasthan Royals gain experience and depth
For Rajasthan Royals, acquiring Jadeja and Curran presents a major boost in all-round resources. Jadeja’s experience and bowling skills add significant value, alongside Curran’s versatile fast bowling and batting abilities. These additions support RR’s ongoing efforts to build a versatile and competitive squad capable of challenging for the title in IPL 2026.
The trade has also sparked widespread discussion among fans and cricket analysts, who see this as a strategic power move by both franchises. Analysts highlight the potential impact on team combinations, leadership influence, and auction strategies going forward.
Also READ: KL Rahul set for major IPL 2026 move? Trade deal reportedly in final stages
