As the IPL 2026 trade window heats up, rumors of a blockbuster swap between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have gained serious traction. Former CSK wicket-keeper Robin Uthappa has weighed in on the speculation, suggesting that CSK could package Vijay Shankar with Ravichandran Ashwin in a bid to land RR skipper Sanju Samson.
Reports indicate that both Samson and Ashwin are seeking exits from their respective franchises, having reportedly conveyed their decisions to team managements. Samson is widely viewed as an ideal long-term replacement for MS Dhoni behind the stumps at CSK, while Ashwin, who enjoyed a strong stint with RR until his release in 2024, remains a proven match-winner in the IPL.
Uthappa’s Take on the Potential Trade
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa made it clear where his loyalties lie in this rumored deal.
“CSK for sure. If they are able to get him and if they are able to snap him up, then it’ll do really well for him,” Uthappa said. “The transition from MS Dhoni to the next wicketkeeper is already taken care of if Sanju comes in. Otherwise, they would have to look at someone like Devon Conway as a wicketkeeping option. But if Sanju is onboard, there’s a lot of good that can happen for CSK.”
The former India batter also pointed out CSK’s lack of a reliable finisher at No. 6 or 7, noting that Shimron Hetmyer is currently the only established player in that role.
“Maybe Sam Curran fits there, but Vijay Shankar could be the one who goes with Ashwin in the trade. That could happen. He’s a decent bowler too, though CSK haven’t really utilised him.”
Shankar, a member of India’s 2019 World Cup squad, has yet to cement his place in the IPL. In 78 matches, he has scored 1,233 runs at a strike rate below 130 and taken nine wickets. His stint at CSK has been quiet, with just seven matches, 118 runs, and only one over bowled.
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Why Trading Samson Could Work for RR
While Samson remains one of RR’s marquee names, Uthappa believes the franchise could be open to letting him go — and for good reason.
“They have Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been outstanding, and Suryavanshi has been smashing it. Riyan Parag prefers batting at number three. Where does that leave Sanju? At number four. Would I want to bat at number four when I’m opening for India? Absolutely not,” Uthappa explained.
He added that Samson’s desire for more game time in his preferred position might not align with RR’s current batting structure.
“If a player doesn’t want to be there, why keep him? Give him what he wants. In that sense, I think it makes sense for them.”
The Money Angle
A trade of this magnitude will require more than just player swaps. Ashwin currently earns Rs 9.75 crore at CSK, while Shankar’s contract is worth Rs 1.2 crore. Samson, on the other hand, commands a hefty Rs 18 crore salary at RR. For the deal to work financially, CSK would also need to add a cash component of just over Rs 7 crore to match Samson’s valuation.
A Potential Game-Changer
If pulled off, this trade could reshape the balance of both squads ahead of IPL 2026. CSK would secure a ready-made captaincy successor and a top-order match-winner, while RR would gain an experienced all-rounder in Ashwin, a utility player in Shankar, and significant cash flexibility for the auction.
Whether the deal happens or not, one thing is certain – the IPL 2026 trade window is already delivering the drama fans crave, and the Sanju-Ashwin-Shankar swap could be the headline move of the season.
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