IPL Retention 2026: Ahead of IPL 2026, a massive trade has been finalised between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). CSK’s long-time star Ravindra Jadeja has officially moved to Rajasthan Royals, where he will play next season for a revised fee of Rs 14 crore. In return, RR have traded their captain Sanju Samson to CSK, with the wicketkeeper-batter set to join the Yellow Army at his existing salary of Rs 18 crore. This high-profile swap had been in discussion for weeks, and both teams finally sealed the deal before the retention deadline.
Saturday marked the final day for all IPL franchises to submit their list of retained and released players ahead of the 2026 season. The trade window featured several big names, including Ravindra Jadeja, Sanju Samson, Sam Curran, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Markande, Arjun Tendulkar, Nitish Rana, and Donovan Ferreira. Here’s a breakdown of where each player is headed:
Ravindra Jadeja
Former CSK captain and senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will now represent Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2026 after a successful trade. Jadeja, who spent 12 seasons with CSK and has played over 250 IPL matches, will feature for RR at a revised league fee of Rs 14 crore, down from Rs 18 crore.
Sanju Samson
Rajasthan Royals captain and India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been traded to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Samson will continue with his existing salary of Rs 18 crore. One of the most seasoned players in the IPL, he has featured in 177 matches. CSK will be only the third franchise of his career, after RR and Delhi Capitals.
Sam Curran
England all-rounder Sam Curran will move from CSK to RR at his existing fee of Rs 2.4 crore. With 64 IPL games under his belt, RR will be his third team after previous stints with Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings.
Mohammed Shami
Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been traded from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at his existing fee of Rs 10 crore. Shami, who won the Purple Cap in 2023 with 28 wickets, brings vast experience across 119 IPL matches. Though he missed IPL 2024 due to injury, he remains one of the most lethal pacers in the league.
Mayank Markande
Leg-spinner Mayank Markande is set to return to Mumbai Indians (MI) after being traded from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He will join MI at his existing fee of Rs 30 lakh. Markande has played 37 IPL matches, taking 37 wickets, and previously represented MI in 2018, 2019, and 2022.
Arjun Tendulkar
Bowling all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar will join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) following his move from Mumbai Indians. His salary remains unchanged at Rs 30 lakh. Arjun was first signed by MI in the 2021 auction and made his IPL debut in 2023.
Nitish Rana
Left-handed batter Nitish Rana will now play for Delhi Capitals (DC) after being traded from Rajasthan Royals. He continues with his existing salary of Rs 4.2 crore. Rana, who has played over 100 IPL games, even captained KKR in 2023 during Shreyas Iyer’s absence.
Donovan Ferreira
All-rounder Donovan Ferreira will return to Rajasthan Royals after being traded from Delhi Capitals. His fee has been upgraded from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore as part of the trade agreement.
