CSK Rejects Rajasthan Royals’ Trade Proposal for Sanju Samson. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) snubbed Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) offer to trade skipper Sanju Samson before the IPL 2026. Sources say RR had contacted CSK to trade Samson for one of CSK’s core Indian players (Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, or Shivam Dube). The five-time champions turned it down immediately.
Manoj Badale, the owner of RR, is believed to have reached out to numerous franchises following Samson’s expressed desire to depart from Rajasthan. RR tried to get one of those players. The offer was far-fetched. CSK were never going to consider trading any of their three untouchables. Sources say CSK made it clear they would not let their three players go. That effectively ended RR’s advanced discussions with CSK.
Future of Samson in Question
Sanju Samson was retained by RR for a whopping ₹18 crores before IPL 2025. Sources say RR feels at this point that they have had increasing differences in opinion with the franchise management. The rejection by CSK now limits any type of choice RR may have if they are going to part with their captain. The most logical route would be for him, ultimately, to be released back into the IPL 2026 auction. Although multiple teams are said to be interested in trade discussions.
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For CSK, this decision strengthens their dedication to their current core, especially with Ruturaj Gaikwad being viewed as a long-term leader and Jadeja as a critical all-rounder. For RR, it’s a precarious position to be in. They either repair their relationship with Samson or let him hit the open market. If Samson does get to the auction, and he is available, this could lead to one of the fiercest bidding wars in recent IPL history.
