As the IPL 2026 trade window has been heating up, one story has dominated franchise circles – a potential blockbuster deal between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
What began as quiet negotiation over the future of Sanju Samson has now become one of the most dramatic trade sagas in the history of the league.
According to insiders close to both camps, Rajasthan are looking at a two-player swap, under which Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran go to Jaipur, while Samson heads to Chennai.
If it is through with the trade, it would reshape two franchises with completely different priorities — CSK looking to plan beyond MS Dhoni and RR trying to re-build their all-rounder core.
The Story Behind the Negotiations
The trade talk started shortly after IPL 2025, when Sanju Samson was reportedly frustrated with the stability of the Rajasthan middle order and demanded clarification on the team’s future plans.
With Dhoni likely to step aside once the next season ends, CSK immediately saw an opening.
Samson — an Indian wicketkeeper-batter who has captaincy experience — fits in perfectly in Chennai’s plan for a post-Dhoni era.
Once Chennai’s interest became obvious, Rajasthan responded by placing a heavy asking price on their captain’s transfer: Ravindra Jadeja, CSK’s senior-most retained player pegged at [?]18 crore.
But RR’s demand didn’t stop there. They also wanted a second player — someone that could have replaced the impact of Ben Stokes in both departments. That’s when the name of Sam Curran came up.
Why Rajasthan Want Curran So Badly
Curran’s numbers from IPL 2025 (114 runs, 1 wicket in five matches) might not look eye-catching, but what RR is interested in isn’t statistics – it’s balance.
With the exit of Ben Stokes because of injuries and national commitments, the lower order depth and bowling flexibility of Rajasthan suffered. Curran provides exactly that – a left-arm quick who can bat aggressively at No 6 – and swing the new ball.
Team sources say that he is being looked at by Rajasthan’s management as “the final piece” in rebuilding a complete all-rounder department together with Riyan Parag and R. Ashwin.
Chennai’s Viewpoint
For CSK, losing Jadeja would be heart-rending but strategic. The franchise has been long looking to prepare for transition after Dhoni, and that an Indian captaincy option with batting depth is crucial. Samson is 31 next season, and this gives us both — maturity and long-term continuity.
A CSK team official, on condition of anonymity, said that the franchise “is open to tough calls if it helps future leadership planning.”
