IPL 2026: Sanju Samson heads to CSK in blockbuster trade; Jadeja returns to RR

In one of the most dramatic transfer moves the IPL has seen, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have completed a mega trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. 

The IPL confirmed the development on Saturday, marking a major reshuffle ahead of the 2026 season.

Samson to Wear Yellow, Jadeja Comes Home

Sanju Samson, RR’s long-time face and captain since 2021, will join CSK at the valuation of Rs 18 crore, the same fee RR retained him for ahead of IPL 2025. In return, the Royals will receive allrounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Jadeja’s fee, however, has been renegotiated to Rs 14 crore, while Curran will move at his earlier price of Rs 2.4 crore.

For Jadeja, the trade marks an emotional return to the franchise where his IPL journey began in 2008. 

Speaking about rejoining RR, he said, “This is where I first learned what winning feels like in the IPL. Coming back is like coming home. I’m excited to contribute to this new group and chase more titles.”

Samson, who spent 11 years across two stints with RR, had indicated after the last season that he wanted a fresh start and requested to be released.

CSK Acknowledges Jadeja’s Legacy

CSK’s managing director Kasi Viswanathan said the move was finalised only after full agreement from all parties involved.

“Jadeja has been one of the pillars of CSK for more than a decade. His contributions are priceless and his legacy stays with us,” he said.

He also welcomed Samson warmly, noting that his experience and match-winning ability align perfectly with CSK’s long-term plans.

Other Major Trades: Shami, Rana, Markande, Ferreira, Tendulkar on the Move

Alongside the Samson-Jadeja-Curran swap, the day saw several other notable trades across franchises:

• Mohammed Shami moves from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow Super Giants, continuing at his fee of Rs 10 crore.
• Nitish Rana shifts from Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals, valued at RS 4.2 crore.
• Mayank Markande returns to his first IPL team, Mumbai Indians, after being traded from KKR.
• Donovan Ferreira heads back to Rajasthan Royals with an upgraded price tag of RS 1 crore.
• Arjun Tendulkar joins Lucknow Super Giants from MI at his earlier fee of RS 30 lakh.

The pre-season trade window has not only reshaped team combinations but also set the stage for one of the most intriguing editions of the IPL in recent years.