There is chatter of a possible IPL 2026 deal that will see Sanju Samson move to CSK and Ashwin to RR.
There’s still some time before IPL teams lock in their plans for the 2026 season, but the rumour mill is already in overdrive. One of the biggest talking points? The future of Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson — and a potential blockbuster trade involving Chennai Super Kings.
Samson’s name has been swirling across social media as reports link the Royals skipper with a possible move to CSK, potentially as MS Dhoni’s long-term replacement. And now, there’s another twist: Ravichandran Ashwin, who returned to CSK just last year, is reportedly pushing for an exit.
Ashwin’s comeback to Chennai — the team where his IPL journey began — was seen as a homecoming. But if the latest whispers are to be believed, the reunion may be short-lived. Sources claims that Ashwin has already asked the Chennai Super Kings management to release him ahead of the 2026 season.
The 38 years old off-spinner did not seize upon the 2025 season to shine brightly, only claiming 7 wickets in 9 matches. He had a spotty record in his performances and he was kept on the bench to give way to young talents as CSK sought to infuse youth in the old age group.
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With Dhoni expected to step away from the game soon, CSK are in the market for a wicketkeeper-captain who can take the baton forward. And Samson, with his calm head and explosive batting, fits the bill almost perfectly.
This is rather interesting because Ashwin has a good past record with the Royals and had been instrumental to them in the past seasons. That preconditions a possible player exchange Ashwin to RR, and Samson to CSK, a trade that can benefit both teams in the process of resetting in IPL 2026.
For now, it’s all speculation. But if there’s one thing IPL off-seasons are never short of, it’s drama.
