What sounded like a mere fantasy in IPL circles sometime ago – a potential trade-off involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson – has entered serious negotiation stages now. Though not finalised as on date, Cricbuzz has confirmed that Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are discussing the swap in right earnest, following initial reports on November 7.
Both players currently earn INR 18 crore contracts, which on paper makes a direct exchange seem straightforward. However, sources reveal that RR are unwilling to agree upon a one-for-one swap. The Jaipur-based franchise is reportedly asking for an additional player in the talks – a condition which has become the main obstacle in the ongoing talks.
RR have also reached out to other franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad while keeping communication lines open with Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders as well, which suggests that they are leaving no avenue unexplored for a trade.
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Insiders say the major sticking point in the CSK-RR negotiations is the young South African batter Dewald Brevis, who joined CSK midway through last season. Brevis has since enhanced his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in franchise cricket, even attracting a record-breaking bid from Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 auction earlier this year. Jo’burg Super Kings, CSK’s sister franchise, reportedly withdrew just before the winning bid.
RR’s lead owner Manoj Badale, who is in Mumbai at the moment, is leading the franchise’s negotiation charge. CSK, however, are steadfast in their stand – the team is not willing to add any other player to the deal, leave alone a talented player like Brevis.
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Those close to CSK say that trading away Jadeja, one of the most complete all-rounders in world cricket, will be a big concession in itself. The Chennai-based side has also held discussions with Jadeja himself before opening dialogue with RR. For now, the ball is firmly in Rajasthan’s court. While Sunrisers Hyderabad are said to have given a lukewarm response to the possibility of signing Samson, with Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma as an aggressive opening combination and Ishan Kishan in their ranks, SRH see no reason to tinker with their top order. In fact, sources within the franchise have even denied any speculation about either Heinrich Klaasen or Ishan being involved in any potential trades.
