Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have expressed strong interest in acquiring Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson during the ongoing IPL 2026 trade window. The wicketkeeper-batsman, retained by RR for ₹18 crore, has emerged as one of the most sought-after Indian players, with multiple franchises reportedly approaching the Royals regarding a potential move.
While CSK has yet to formally initiate discussions with Rajasthan, a senior franchise official confirmed their intent to explore the possibility of bringing Samson into their fold.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! “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. 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 told
Cricbuzz.
However, trade logistics remain complicated. Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK’s newly appointed captain, who was also retained at ₹18 crore, could theoretically serve as a like-for-like swap. Yet, with head coach Stephen Fleming repeatedly describing Gaikwad's appointment as a long-term leadership decision, a trade involving the current CSK skipper seems unlikely.
CSK, historically conservative in the trade market, have only made one notable swap in recent years, which was to bring in Robin Uthappa from RR in an all-cash deal before IPL 2021.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, fresh off a performance review meeting in London attended by newly appointed head coach Rahul Dravid, are evaluating multiple trade requests for several players. With both Samson and Dhruv Jurel in their ranks, the franchise is well-stocked in terms of top-order Indian wicketkeeper-batters.
Any movement on this front is expected to take time and RR co-owner Manoj Badale is expected to have the final say on any prospective deal.
The IPL 2026 trading window is currently open, with strict regulations governing franchise negotiations, league fee adjustments, and player fitness assessments. All trades must also receive BCCI approval and adhere to the salary cap and contract rules set forth by the league.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu’s inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
Read MoreThe TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide.
From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more.
The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics.
We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects.
We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment