In one of the most unbelievable and high-profile player trades in IPL history, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have completed a mega swap prior to the IPL 2026 season. Wicketkeeper-batter and long-time captain of the RR, Sanju Samson, has switched clubs to the five-time champions CSK, while CSK franchise icon and India national team star, Ravindra Jadeja returns to his original franchise RR.
In addition to this deal, England all-rounder, Sam Curran (who is also a previous member of the CSK team), adds to this blockbuster deal, and joins RR. The deal was confirmed by the IPL, just hours before the retention deadline, on November 15, 2025. This multi-player trade marks one of the rare occasions of franchise stalwarts switching teams after over ten years of loyalty. Sanju Samson will join the CSK for the same fee of ₹18 crore, Sam Curran for ₹2.4 crore and with Ravindra Jadeja returning home, he has taken a significant cut to the amount he will get paid from ₹18 crore down to ₹14 crore.
Trade Details
Sanju Samson (₹18 crore) → Chennai Super Kings
Ravindra Jadeja (adjusted ₹14 crore) → Rajasthan Royals
Sam Curran (₹2.4 crore) → Rajasthan Royals
The trade – which required approvals from the players and expressions of interest to the BCCI in advance of ratification – had been in the works for several weeks; early speculation had only Samson and Jadeja changing teams in the deal. NR completed said the RR wanted more value, thus adding Sam Curran to the trade. Reports indicate CSK had been wanting to acquire Samson for a long time, as their batting firepower was lacking in a disappointing finish to IPL 2025 when they finished last.
A Return Home for Jadeja
The return of Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals has incredibly poetic overtones. Jadeja first burst onto the scene at the inaugural IPL season for RR back in 2008, where he was crucial to the team’s winning circumstances under Shane Warne. After going through periods with other franchises while RR was suspended, Jadeja became the face of a new franchise, namely Chennai Super Kings, starting in 2012.
Jadeja contributed four IPL titles (2018, 2021, 2023) to CSK, while also managing over 2000 runs and 140+ wickets in yellow. Jadeja shared emotional happiness: “Rajasthan Royals provided me with my first platform and my first victory. Coming back to Rajasthan is special; it feels like I am going home.”.
RR Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, described Jadeja’s return as “incredibly special,” adding that Jadeja has that rare ability to change the flow of the game with bat, ball, or as a fielder. The pay cut highlights the fact that Jadeja desired to return to the franchise that developed him in his career, despite other teams willing to pay higher amounts.
Sanju Samson’s New Journey in Yellow
For Sanju Samson, this ends an eleven year association with the Rajasthan Royals, the franchise where he made his IPL debut in 2013, was made the captain in 2021, and became the all-time leading run-scorer with over 4,000 runs amassed during his time there. Despite leading RR to the final in 2022, reportedly, Samson sought a new challenge after the IPL 2025 season.
Sanju Samson will step into a post-MS Dhoni era with Chennai Super Kings, taking on a new dynamic role in the middle order with leadership possibilities. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan calls it a “difficult but visionary move,” as he welcomes Samson to the CSK family to help alleviate some of their batting issues.
Also Read:Â IPL 2026: Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja Trade On Hold With BCCI Rules