'Toughest call we’ve ever taken': CSK explains why they traded Ravindra Jadeja for Sanju Samson

Chennai Super Kings has traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals for Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026. Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan cited the need for a top-order Indian batsman and the team's transition as reasons for this challenging decision. Samson's experience and age were key factors in the move.

Ravindra Jadeja (Photo by Prakash Singh/Getty Images)

Chennai Super Kings Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan announced that the franchise has traded their key all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, describing it as one of the most challenging decisions for the team management. The trade deal was officially confirmed by both franchises on Saturday, though rumors had been circulating for about a week, leaving many fans disappointed. Both Jadeja and Samson were crucial players for their respective teams.

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According to the trade agreement, Jadeja's league fee has been reduced from Rs 18 crore to Rs 14 crore. Samson will join CSK at his current league fee of Rs 18 crore. "Chennai Super Kings, as you know, have traded Jadeja and Sam Curran for Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals. As a franchise, you might know that over the years, we have not used the path of trading, except for one year when we got Robin Uthappa. The team management felt the need for a top-order Indian batsman. And since not many Indian batsmen are going to be available at the auction, we thought the best way to get an Indian top-order batter is to go through the trade window. " "And hence we have to take this call. And, this decision has been taken by the team management and it is a very tough decision leaving out Jaddu, who has been responsible for the success of CSK over the years. It was probably one of the toughest decisions that CSK had to take, that the team management had to take. Considering the transition of CSK at this point of time, the team management took the toughest decision." "It is a must that we should consult with the players concerned. And it was after mutual agreement that we under took this. When I spoke to Jadeja, he was also very clear that if there is an opportunity for him because he is also, he also felt that he was at the fag end of his career in white ball. So he also felt that he can have a break." "Sam Curran was with us in 2020, 2021 and 2025. He has been a Consistent performer for us. As I said earlier, leaving out Sam as well as Jaddu was one of the toughest calls. We have certain players who are at the fag end of their career. And it is very important for CSK to build a team in the next couple of years. And since this is a mini auction, we don't have the opportunity to get the best of the Indian batsmen." "Sanju has been one of the most experienced IPL batsmen, having scored more than 4,500 runs. And he has also been leading Rajasthan Royals. He has the experience and he is only around 30 years. So, we thought that he will be a good addition for CSK to take care of the future. Emotionally, the fans will be very very upset because I have already got a lot of messages from the fans. But taking into account the current status of the team composition, nothing tank of the CSK cricket management felt the need for a change. And I am sure that in the years to come, CSK will maintain the same kind of consistency and also perform well" said Kasi in a video released by CSK. Jadeja has been with CSK for 12 seasons, participating in over 250 matches, making him one of the most experienced players in the league. Samson, who has played 177 IPL matches, will be joining his third franchise. Since his IPL debut in 2013, he has primarily played for RR, except for two seasons with Delhi Capitals in 2016 and 2017.

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