The Rajasthan Royals are in advanced talks to trade away their skipper Sanju Samson to the Chennai Super Kings in exchange for star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja along with another key player ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season according to several media reports. However, it looks like the situation has taken a new turn. Fresh reports have come in that while Jadeja’s inclusion in the proposed deal is confirmed, CSK are still debating who the second player in the trade should be.
A report by The Indian Express says that CSK initially considered adding Sam Curran to the package after RR insisted on a second player alongside Jadeja. But reportedly, the Chennai franchise is now hesitating as their preference is to retain Matheesha Pathirana, the young Sri Lankan fast bowler who has emerged as one of their most promising talents. CSK are reportedly unwilling to include Pathirana in any trade deal despite RR’s keen interest in acquiring him.
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The report further revealed that CSK’s management agreed to include Jadeja in the trade only after the player himself gave his approval. Before reaching that stage, an extensive discussion took place involving MS Dhoni, current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and head coach Stephen Fleming, who evaluated the potential impact of the deal on the team’s balance.
Having started his IPL career with the Rajasthan Royals in the league’s inaugural seasons, Jadeja has spent most of his career with the CSK. Over the years, he has grown into one of their most dependable performers and even briefly led the team in 2022 when Dhoni stepped down from leadership duties. Sam Curran has played for both the CSK and Punjab Kings, while Pathirana is still on the rise as CSK’s next-generation pace spearhead.
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As far as Sanju Samson is concerned, he has been the face of RR for more than a decade but recently sought fresh opportunities, therefore hinting that he wanted to be released from this franchise post the 2025 season. To make this blockbuster trade happen, both franchises will have to give their written expression of interest to the IPL Governing Council. When all the players give their written consent as well, the final agreement would be reviewed and approved by the league’s governing body.
