Sanju Samson to CSK – IPL 2026 ₹40 Cr Trade Rumor Explained
Sanju Samson CSK trade in IPL 2026. Explore the blockbuster rumour, swap deals, and what it means for the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
The Indian Premier League Trade window is now open, and the biggest buzz around the IPL 2026 Trade deal is around the potential transfer of Sanju Samson from the Pink Army to the Yellow Army. Yes, according to many big news websites, CSK are contemplating a potential trade of Sanju Samson from the Rajasthan Royals team to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 Mini Auction.
Why CSK Want Sanju Samson?
But why is this news getting a lot of buzz all of a sudden? Well, the CSK team is currently seeing the fag end of their most celebrated player, MS Dhoni. These are the twilight years of MS Dhoni, and while MS Dhoni may continue to play in IPL 2026, that could well be his last season as a player for Chennai Super Kings. Hence, the team is already preparing for a big move where they not only have a solid wicket-keeper to replace MS Dhoni, but also a potential batter.
Having said that, Sanju Samson seems to be the front-runner to be traded from RR to CSK to fill the void that might be left by MS Dhoni. But is this move logical enough to sustain the trade? Well, Sanju Samson has a huge retention cost of 18 Cr. So, if at all this move happens, Chennai Super Kings will have to do an All-cash deal, or swap a few potential players from their side to the Rajasthan Royals team.
Sanju Samson Trade to CSK? Possible Trade Scenarios for IPL 2026
Possible Trade Options
- All-cash deal worth ₹40 Cr
- Swap: Ravindra Jadeja + Ravichandran Ashwin (combined value > ₹24 Cr)
If an all-cash deal happens, Rajasthan Royals may not only demand the base salary of Sanju Samson, which is 18 Cr, but also a few more crores to compensate for the loss. This is an optimistic scenario, and the one that may favour RR financially. However, if not for an all-cash deal, RR may demand their old players like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin (combined value of over 24 Cr) as compensation for Sanju Samson. This may look like a win-win for RR and CSK, as losing Jadeja and Ashwin isn’t a bad trade deal.
While the trade seems logical, we will have to take it with a pinch of salt. There is also a big possibility of trade not happening, and RR completely denying the baseless rumours. As we know, Sanju Samson is the leader of the RR team currently, and has been leading the team for more than 4 years now. Why would RR want to let go of a player and leader whom RR has not only nurtured, but is also paying him handsomely to be with them for many years to come?
Social Media Fuel and Fan Speculations
Meanwhile, there are a lot of Social Media speculations that suggest Sanju Samson may look for a potential transfer to CSK. For example, we have seen a viral video of Sanju Samson smiling at a CSK Fan’s question in San Francisco. Sanju Samson’s wife posted an Instagram story supporting the Texas Super Kings, and Sanju Samson’s cryptic post suggesting TIME TO MOVE with a yellow line.
Final Verdict: Smoke or Fire?
However, Sanju Samson himself may not want to transfer to CSK just for earning some additional bucks. Sanju has always given preference to loyalty more than money, and his denying the trade deal to CSK may look natural. But then we never expected Hardik Pandya to move to the Mumbai Indians when he was doing so well for the Gujarat Titans. The rise of Yashasvi Jaiswal as the potential leader may look like a threat to Sanju Samson’s future as the leader of RR.
Thanks for reading. Do you think Sanju Samson’s potential trade to CSK will benefit the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026? Please share your thoughts at advertising@cricgasm.com!.
