Ahead of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), Sanju Samson has been traded from the Rajasthan Royals to the Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
As part of the trade agreement, Ravindra Jadeja’s league fee has been revised from ₹18 crore to ₹14 crore. While Sanju Samson and Sam Curran have been traded at their existing league fee of ₹18 crore and ₹2.4 crore, respectively.
For Ravindra Jadeja, this move represents a heartfelt homecoming. One of the brightest young stars unearthed by Rajasthan Royals during their title-winning 2008 campaign, Jadeja played a pivotal role in the team’s historic triumph under Shane Warne’s leadership.
Ravindra Jadeja has been one of the mainstays of the Super Kings since 2012. The all-rounder has been a part of three IPL-winning CSK squads – in 2018, 2021 and 2023. Jadeja has taken over 150 wickets for the Super Kings and has also scored over 2300 runs for the team.
Sanju Samson brings with him a wealth of experience, having scored over 4500 runs in his IPL career. Samson has been a part of the IPL for over a decade and has represented Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals in the tournament. Samson has led the Rajasthan Royals in five IPL seasons (from 2021 to 2025). Under his leadership, Rajasthan Royals reached the final in the 2022 season.
Sam Curran was a part of the victorious IPL-winning CSK squad in 2021. The England all-rounder has represented the Super Kings in IPL 2020, 2021 and 2025. Curran has featured in 28 matches for the Super Kings in the IPL and has scored 356 runs, picking up 23 wickets.
Ravindra Jadeja said, “Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory. Coming back feels special – it’s not just a team for me, it’s home. Rajasthan Royals is where I won my first IPL, and I hope to win more with this current group of players.”
KS Viswanathan, Managing Director, Chennai Super Kings, said, “A transition in a team’s journey is never easy. Trading out a player like Ravindra Jadeja, who has been an integral part of the franchise for more than a decade, and Sam Curran was one of the toughest decisions we have taken in the team’s history. The decision was taken with mutual understanding with both Jadeja and Curran. We are deeply grateful for Jadeja’s extraordinary contributions and the legacy he leaves behind. We wish both Jadeja and Curran the best for the future. We also welcome Sanju Samson, whose skill set and achievements complement our ambitions. This decision has been made with great thought, respect, and a long-term vision.”
Manoj Badale, Lead Owner of Rajasthan Royals, said, “Jadeja’s return is deeply special for everyone connected to the Royals. He was part of our foundation years and to welcome him back now as one of the game’s most complete players is incredibly meaningful. Alongside Sam Curran, whose competitiveness and all-round quality strengthen our group, this marks a new and exciting chapter for the franchise.”
“Sanju was with us at trials when he was just 17 years old, went on to become one of our youngest captains of RR and since then, he has been an integral part of the Royals family for more than a decade, continuing to inspire everyone around him. His chapter with us has been one of belief, brilliance, and heart. Sanju has been an exceptional ambassador of our values, and we thank him for everything he has done for the Royals family,” he adds.
Kumar Sangakkara, Director of Cricket, Rajasthan Royals, said, “Jadeja coming back to the Royals is incredibly special for all of us. He understands the franchise and the fans, having been part of RR’s IPL-winning campaign. Over the years, he has grown into a player who can influence the game in every department. His experience, composure, and competitive edge will add immense value to our group. Sam brings a different but equally important dimension. He’s fearless, adaptable, and thrives in pressure situations with both bat and ball. Together, Jadeja and Sam give us balance, leadership and the kind of match-winning depth we want as we build for the future.”
“Sanju’s journey with the Royals has been remarkable. I’ve seen him grow not just as a player but as a leader who always put the team first and carried himself with calmness and integrity. He has given everything to this franchise and we are deeply grateful for the role he has played in shaping our culture and standards. We respect his decision and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career,” said Kumar Sangakkara.
