IPL 2026: ‘Who will be your all-rounder if Jadeja leaves?’ - Former India opener questions CSK-RR trade

Sanju Samson’s potential trade to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals (RR) has become one of the most talked-about topics ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 retentions. If the swap were to happen, CSK would be parting ways with a world-class all-rounder while acquiring a proven wicketkeeper-batter.

Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth weighed in on the discussion, stating that while Samson is an excellent player, CSK’s balance relies heavily on having quality all-rounders. He further noted that if the franchise is looking for a long-term successor to MS Dhoni, they already have Urvil Patel in their setup who could be groomed for the role.

“Without Jadeja, who’s your all-rounder in CSK? Having an all-rounder is very important; it’s the key role in the T20 format. I am not discounting Samson, who’s superb. I’ve been reading that Sanju Samson will slowly be developed as the successor to Dhoni. But for that, you’ve Urvil Patel already. He’s also a wicketkeeper batter,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

“By leaving Jadeja, CSK will have to scout for another all-rounder. Someone like Cameron Green is not a tried and tested material. He’s not a great all-rounder. He’s a batter who can bowl and fill in the four overs. He’s not a deadly bowler. Jadeja can win matches with his batting, bowling or fielding,” he added.

Srikkanth also shared his thoughts on the performances of Jadeja and Samson during the IPL 2025 season. He pointed out that Jadeja endured a below-par campaign, often getting limited opportunities to bat as he came in during the death overs. On the other hand, Samson, who usually opens the innings, needs to play a more complete role, not just giving his team a good start but also anchoring the innings and taking the game deep.

“Jadeja has also not got great opportunities with the bat the last two years. He would come in with two balls left. Even the crowd used to wait for him to get out so that Dhoni could come in, which was sad. Yes, his strike rate wasn’t deadly in the 2025 season. But one has to see where he has batted and the situation of the game then. He doesn’t come at the top of the order. He comes at 6 or 7 predominantly so there’s only 10-12 balls to play at that time,” said Srikkanth

“Even Sanju Samson’s record in IPL 2025 is nothing great. It isn’t great that he just got started in most matches when he’s batting top of the order. How many big scores did he make coming as an opener? Only one, a 60-odd. Anyone can just give starts, even Urvil Patel has been giving starts. I am not belittling Sanju Samson. This is only Samson in comparison to Jadeja. Samson is a brilliant cricketer,” he concluded.