Reports: Sanju Samson draws interest from CSK, others in IPL 2026 trade window

Star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson's name is suddenly earning immense attention in IPL trade discussions, with multiple franchises, including Chennai Super Kings (CSK), showing strong interest in acquiring the Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper ahead of IPL 2026.

CSK confirms interest in Samson

According to a Cricbuzz report, the speculations about Samson's potential trade are not just any social media opinions; there is huge interest, especially from CSK, who are exploring long-term leadership and wicketkeeping options. A senior CSK official confirmed the franchise's intent to explore the possibility of bringing Samson into their squad. 

"We are looking at Sanju. He is an Indian batter who is a keeper and an opener. So if he is available, we will certainly have a look at the option of having him in our fold. Who we will trade him with, we have not taken that call because the matter has not gone that far. But yes, in principle, we are interested," the CSK official said. 

Player trading window:

The IPL trading window, currently open, allows franchises to trade players under strict guidelines. Players can only be traded during designated windows, the first of which began seven days post the 2025 season and runs until seven days before the 2026 auction. A player can be traded only once for the upcoming season.

Trades can be executed as:

Straight trades (all-cash deals), Trade with a Negotiated Increase (both the player and the selling team get a share of the increased League Fee), Trade with a League Fee reduction, which requires BCCI’s approval and written consent from the player.

If the trade involves an overseas player, an NOC from the respective board is mandatory. The league fee of the traded player is calculated against the buying franchise’s salary cap, while any cash exchanged between franchises is not.

How can CSK bring Samson?

Meanwhile, the main concern for CSK would be matching Samson’s league fee of INR 18 crore. Notably, the swap could involve CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose retention value is also INR 18 crore. But CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has repeatedly mentioned that Gaikwad’s captaincy appointment was a long-term strategy, making such a trade unlikely.

The deal could also see an exchange for Ravichandran Ashwin and Shivam Dube. Financially, the deal could balance out. Ashwin and Dube together are valued at INR 21.75 crore, more than Samson’s price.

Rajasthan Royals reacts to trade speculations

Notably, Rajasthan Royals have accepted that they’ve received multiple trade requests, not just for Samson, but also for other players like Dhruv Jurel. The team recently conducted a post-season review meeting in London with head coach Rahul Dravid in attendance. However, a final call is expected from RR lead owner Manoj Badale. Attempts to reach him have gone unanswered.