The IPL trade rumor mill is in full swing, and at the center of it is Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson. Once thought to be securely entrenched in Jaipur, the wicketkeeper-batter has suddenly become a sought-after commodity, with multiple franchises reportedly expressing interest—including the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
What started as social media speculation has now gained credibility, with a senior CSK official confirming to Cricbuzz that the franchise is indeed open to acquiring Samson. While no formal approach has yet been made to the Royals’ management, the official said discussions within CSK have taken place, describing the 29-year-old as an “ideal fit.”
“We are definitely 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,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
“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.”
A Premium Asset in the IPL Ecosystem
Sanju Samson is one of the most versatile and reliable T20 cricketers in the Indian circuit. As an Indian top-order batter who can also don the gloves, his profile is incredibly valuable in the IPL setup, where franchises prize multi-skilled domestic players. Samson was the Royals’ top retention ahead of the 2022 mega auction, valued at ₹18 crore—a figure that matches CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s current contract.
The Trade Puzzle: Who Goes the Other Way?
If CSK were to push forward with their interest, the biggest question would be: who gets traded in return? Gaikwad is the most straightforward like-for-like option in terms of price and profile. However, head coach Stephen Fleming has publicly backed Gaikwad as a long-term leader, making a direct swap increasingly unlikely.
Historically, CSK have been conservative in the trade market. One of their only notable trades was acquiring Robin Uthappa from Rajasthan Royals in 2021 via an all-cash deal. A trade involving a marquee player like Samson would mark a significant strategic shift for the franchise.
Royals’ Position: Holding the Cards
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals appear in no rush to part ways with their captain. According to sources, the franchise recently held a season review meeting in London, attended by head coach Rahul Dravid and key decision-makers. The meeting reportedly addressed trade interest in several players, including both Samson and rising star Dhruv Jurel.
Franchise co-owner Manoj Badale is expected to have the final say on any potential move. Attempts to reach top Royals officials have so far gone unanswered, signaling that the franchise may be weighing its options quietly.
Player Trading Window: What the Rules Say
Under IPL rules, trades can only occur within designated “Trading Windows.” For the upcoming 2026 season, trading is currently open and will remain so until seven days before the player auction. A player like Samson—who was retained, not auctioned—is eligible for trade, provided both franchises agree and the player consents.
There are complex mechanisms available, including:
All-cash trades
Negotiated increase or decrease in league fee
Like-for-like swaps
One-time franchise compensation payments
However, no separate payments outside of the league structure can be made to players or teams, and all trades must be approved by the BCCI.
What’s Next?
Given the high profile of the player and the financial considerations involved, any deal involving Sanju Samson is unlikely to materialize immediately. But the fact that multiple franchises have shown concrete interest indicates that negotiations—formal or informal—are already underway behind the scenes.
Samson’s future could shape the balance of power ahead of IPL 2026. Whether he stays in Rajasthan or dons new colors, one thing is clear: Sanju Samson is no longer just a Royals asset—he’s a potential game-changer in the IPL trade market.
