Sanju Samson could join CSK in IPL 2026 as part of a big trade with Rajasthan Royals along with Ravichandran Ashwin and Shivam Dube, indicating a leadership change post Dhoni.
Sanju Samson may soon leave Rajasthan Royals and join Chennai Super Kings in a big trade. It has been reported that the negotiations between the two teams are near completion, and as part of the deal, Samson RR would be getting Ravichandran Ashwin as well as Shivam Dube back to their team, which may provide a balance shift in both the teams.
Is Sanju Samson Going to CSK in IPL 2026?
An old analyst and former Royal Challengers Bangalore and South Africa analyst Prasanna Aghoram initiated new guesstimates by broadcasting on X. According to him, negotiations are there between an Indian off-spinner and a left-handed middle-order batter with top-order wicketkeeping batsmen. The common assumption is that Ashwin and Dube are going to be traded to RR and Samson to RR in exchange, and this could be beneficial to both teams.
Why is CSK Interested in Sanju Samson?
Samson is a stable player, and he is a proven leader. MS Dhoni will probably retire shortly, and Ruturaj Gaikwad is not doing well as a captain. Samson can also be a top-order anchor who can be looked upon by CSK as a new leader.
RR captain at the moment, Samson has achieved 177 matches in the IPL with 4,704 runs, hitting with the help of a strike rate of 139.04. He has had 26 half-titles and 3 throws. These figures qualify him as a good buy.
Performance Overview of the Players Involved
Sanju Samson played well in IPL 2025, scoring 285 runs in 9 matches with an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.39, but he sat out 5 games because of injuries. He scored just a single half-century, and Rajasthan Royals ended up at the 9th spot and had 8 points.
After over a decade, Ravichandran Ashwin came back to CSK. He bowled in 9 matches to get 7 wickets, though that did not make a significant impact.
In the middle orders, Shivam Dube provided some solidity to CSK. He has made 357 runs at an average of 32.45 with a strike rate of 132.22 runs in 14 games.
CSK might still release both Ashwin and Dube to add a reliable top-order wicketkeeper-batsman and a future captain like Sanju Samson.
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What is the Value of This Trade in Finances?
When it comes to the value of the players, the potentialised deal is about equal. Ravichandran Ashwin and Shivam Dube together account for ₹21.75 crore, while Sanju Samson is valued at ₹18 crore. Rajasthan Royals would have to pay 3.75 crores or more to make the trade fair, which would lead to a total of 25.5 crores.
Strategic Effect on the Two Franchises
In case the trade is successful, it is likely to alter the strategy of the two teams. CSK would receive a stable top-order batsman and a steady choice of captaincy, which is a crucial decision to make since the team is entering the post-Dhoni era.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) would have an added strength in the spin department and middle-order batting. RR may gain a balance with Ravichandran Ashwin playing on his home ground and Shivam Dube adding explosive power to him. The trade would not just affect the rosters but could also change each team’s approach for IPL 2026.
In Conclusion, A Game-Changer in the Making
This speculated trade between CSK and RR could be one of the most prominent ones in the history of the IPL. The transfer of top-quality talents and change of leadership dynamics, fans await confirmation. If it happens, IPL 2026 could open a new chapter for both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.