CSK Rejects RR’s Trade Proposal Involving Ruturaj Gaikwad, Jadeja for Sanju Samson

Speculation around Sanju Samson’s future at Rajasthan Royals has intensified, with reports suggesting the franchise is actively exploring a trade ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Samson, who has reportedly grown disillusioned with certain internal decisions, is believed to have formally requested a release or trade from RR.

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS SAY NO TO HIGH-PROFILE SWAP

According to a report from Cricbuzz, Rajasthan Royals' lead owner Manoj Badale has taken the initiative to contact all nine other IPL franchises in an attempt to facilitate a deal for Samson. Among the first teams approached were five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, RR’s proposal which involved swapping Samson for one of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube, was swiftly turned down by CSK.

The Super Kings are reportedly unwilling to part ways with any of the three players, leaving discussions at a stalemate. Unless CSK returns with a revised offer or bids aggressively at the upcoming auction, the deal appears unlikely to progress in its current form.

SAMSON’S FUTURE: TRADE, AUCTION, OR STANDSTILL?

While it remains technically possible for Samson to continue with Rajasthan Royals, insiders suggest a growing rift between the player and management. One major flashpoint is believed to be the franchise’s decision to release England’s Jos Buttler, a move that reportedly didn’t sit well with Samson.

Despite the tension, the possibility of Samson entering the auction pool seems slim. Several franchises have already expressed direct interest, indicating that any move is more likely to be finalized through trade negotiations rather than the auction route.

PUBLIC SILENCE, PRIVATE TENSION

Sanju Samson has so far maintained a composed public stance. In a recent podcast with R. Ashwin, he spoke positively about the Royals setup and even praised 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the young left-handed opener seen as part of the team’s future. However, his previous comments about the emotional difficulty of letting Jos Buttler go hinted at deeper issues behind the scenes.

> “Letting him go has been one of the most challenging decisions for me. During the England series, I told him over dinner that I was still not over it. If I could change one thing in the IPL, I would change the rule of releasing players every three years,” Samson had said in an interview with Star Sports last season.

WHAT’S NEXT?

With CSK unwilling to offer any of their core players, and other teams closely monitoring the situation, it remains to be seen whether a trade deal for Samson materializes before the mini-auction. For now, the star batter’s future continues to be one of the biggest off-season talking points.