CSK Admits Interest on Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson may be set to spark a rare trade battle in the Indian Premier League, with multiple franchises—led by Chennai Super Kings—expressing interest in acquiring the Rajasthan Royals captain ahead of the 2026 season.
Sanju Samson to CSK? CSK Admits Interest on Sanju Samson
CSK, speaking to Cricbuzz, confirmed that the 33-year-old keeper-batter is firmly on their radar, though they have not yet approached the Royals formally. “He ticks all the boxes—Indian, top-order batter, wicketkeeper,” a senior CSK official said, requesting anonymity. “If he’s available, we’ll certainly explore the option.”
But that’s the rub. As of now, Samson is not available—not officially. Retained by the Royals for ₹18 crore, he remains one of the highest-valued Indian players in the league. Any deal involving him would demand either a direct equivalent or a significant cash trade. Theoretically, CSK’s only like-for-like in terms of salary is Ruturaj Gaikwad—ironically, their newly appointed captain and an emblem of continuity, not disruption.
Coach Stephen Fleming has spoken often of a long-term plan for Gaikwad. Trading him away, even for a high-profile name like Samson, seems antithetical to CSK’s notoriously patient culture.
CSK Is Cautious Trader by Nature
Chennai Super Kings have rarely been active participants in the IPL trade market. In fact, their most notable move in recent memory was a low-key, cash-only deal for Robin Uthappa from Rajasthan Royals before the 2021 season. To consider a trade involving a high-profile captain now would mark a striking shift from the franchise’s typically conservative approach
Still, the fact that CSK is willing to speak about Samson publicly—albeit without commitment—suggests the door is ajar. The player trading window is currently open and remains so until seven days before the 2026 IPL auction. That leaves franchises time to negotiate, but not infinite patience.
Sources indicate that other franchises, unnamed for now, have also enquired about Samson’s availability. Rajasthan, meanwhile, are weighing their options. A recent internal review, held in London and attended by head coach Rahul Dravid, reportedly covered approaches not just for Samson but for other key assets, including rising keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel.
Whether Royals are genuinely open to parting with their captain remains unclear. No formal response has been issued, and messages to principal owner Manoj Badale have gone unanswered.
In Samson’s case, any trade would require a high-value asset in return, or a complex, possibly negotiated, cash-plus-player deal. Should a franchise like CSK attempt to execute such a move, it would test both the franchise’s internal balance and the IPL’s evolving player economy.
What Next?
For now, all eyes are on Rajasthan. The franchise holds the cards, and unless Samson expresses a desire to move—a critical factor under IPL trade rules—no transaction can proceed. Should that happen, and should CSK or another franchise meet the price, IPL 2026 could begin with one of the most consequential trades in the league’s history.
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