Reports: Chennai Super Kings in serious talks with Rajasthan Royals over Samson-Jadeja trade

The Indian Premier League (IPL) trade window for the 2026 season could reportedly witness one of the biggest potential player swaps in recent history. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and maiden IPL winner Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in serious talks over a possible trade involving India’s wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and CSK’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Samson, who has been an important part of the Royals since the 2018 mega-auction and their captain since 2021, has reportedly asked to be released from the franchise before the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. This follows reports of tension between Samson and the RR management, particularly after the team decides to release Jos Buttler ahead of the 2024 auction, a choice that didn’t sit well with the Kerala-born cricketer.

According to Cricbuzz, RR lead owner Manoj Badale has personally reached out to multiple franchises, including CSK, Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The Royals have reportedly sent formal communication to these teams to show interest in acquiring Samson, who remains one of India’s most consistent white-ball batters.

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Royals’ owner Manoj Badale holds discussions with other franchisees 

However, the ongoing negotiations are for the potential Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja. Reports suggest RR have demanded either Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad in exchange for Samson. However, CSK’s management, led by CEO Kasi Viswanathan and head coach Stephen Fleming, has shown reluctance to part with either of their main players.

Still, sources confirm that CSK has re-engaged with RR to explore possibilities of bringing Samson to Chennai. The franchise is reportedly weighing multiple options as they prepare for their retention meeting on November 10 and 11, which will include inputs from MS Dhoni, Gaikwad, and Fleming. It’s believed that Samson’s potential arrival could be discussed during this meeting before CSK finalizes its retention list by November 15, ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction in December.

While Jadeja’s name remains a hot topic in these discussions, Shivam Dube has also been mentioned as part of preliminary discussions. However, Chennai is set to reject the idea of releasing Dube, seeing him as a crucial part of their long-term T20 setup.

Meanwhile, the Royals’ owner Manoj Badale, who is currently in Mumbai, continues to hold meetings with other franchises. Delhi Capitals, too, have shown interest, though RR’s reported demand for Tristan Stubbs plus an uncapped Indian player has made negotiations complicated.