The 2026 Indian Premier League trade market has barely opened, yet one of its biggest stories might already be here.
Reports suggest Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has asked the franchise to release him ahead of the new season. The Kerala batter, who has been the face of the Royals for years, could be headed to Chennai Super Kings if the rumors prove true.
People following the negotiations say CSK are showing strong interest. For them, the deal could mean far more than adding another batter. Samson’s profile ticks several boxes: explosive at the top, experienced behind the stumps, and proven as a leader.
There is also the Dhoni question. MS Dhoni, 44, remains the heart of CSK but has been managing a knee injury for the past few seasons. His retirement from playing feels close, and any transition plan would have to be handled carefully. Samson’s arrival could offer a ready-made option.
This speculation is no coincidence. It flared up right after news broke that veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had asked CSK management about his place in the team for the 2025 season.
Ashwin, bought for ₹9.75 crore at the last mega auction, played only nine games this year. Trade rumors involving him have been circulating, and a swap involving Samson is being discussed in cricket circles.
Financially, CSK would need to pay Rajasthan Royals ₹8.25 crore more to balance the deal, given Samson’s ₹18 crore retention and Ashwin’s contract value. The question is whether RR would want to bring Ashwin back, especially since his previous stint with them from 2022 to 2024 was steady but not standout.
Samson’s numbers underline why CSK might be willing to push. He became the first batter to cross 4,000 runs for RR earlier this year, ending the season with 4,027 runs in 149 games for the team at an average of 31.70. That includes 23 half-centuries, two centuries, and a strike rate over 141. Across his IPL career, he has scored 4,740 runs at a 139.04 strike rate.
Since taking over as captain in 2021, Samson has led RR to the playoffs twice — in 2022 and 2024 — with 33 wins and 33 losses from 67 games.
For CSK, the move could also fix another lingering problem. Their top order struggled badly in the powerplay last year. While most sides sent pinch-hitters, CSK stuck with conventional openers. Pairing Samson with Ayush Mhatre could give them early momentum.
Whether this trade becomes reality is still uncertain. But the mix of cricketing logic, timing, and the personalities involved means the chatter is unlikely to quiet down anytime soon.
