Sanju Samson joins CSK, Ravindra Jadeja moves to RR in IPL's greatest-ever trade deal

After days of unofficial confirmations, the mega trade deal between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson is finally done. It was reported on November 10 that the two franchises had verbally agreed on the deal with all-rounder Sam Curran also being a part of this exchange deal. 

As of Friday (November 14), all the paperwork involving the three players has been completed and only the official announcement remains. Remember, only 24 hours remain for the deadline for IPL franchises to announce their list of retentions for the 2026 season. With Jadeja and Samson both having identical values of Rs 18 crore each, the swap was never a question but the Royals were firm about wanting an extra player in this bargain. This led to a final twist.

RR reportedly asked for Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis before settling for Curran. The Englishman along with Jadeja gives the Jaipur franchise a massive boost in terms of all-round credentials with the latter being touted to be RR's new captain. That, though, is for another day.

RR's issue, though, was that they didn't have the funds to secure Curran along with Jadeja and as a result, have taken the all-rounder for a lesser price of Rs 14 crore, as opposed to his Rs 18 crore fee at CSK. The Royals will still need to release an overseas player to free up a slot for Curran and reports are that they already have made up their mind on that. Therefore, Curran was bought at his price of Rs 2.40 crore.

Meanwhile, Samson's entry to the Super Kings signals the start of a new era for the Men in Yellow. With former skipper MS Dhoni at the fag end of his professional career - rumours are the 2026 will probably be the last season - Samson's entry gives a star face to the franchise. Most importantly, he is a solid Indian wicket-keeper batter with international experience and leadership attributes. A huge win for CSK.

This is arguably the biggest trade deal in the history of the IPL, trumping Hardik Pandya's cash deal trade from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2025. In this case, the swap of two iconic players of their respective franchises makes it a historic move and perhaps, a glimpse of what we could see in upcoming seasons in trade deals.