15th November 2025 will remain a big date in Chennai Super Kings' history. After a long stint of 12 years, one of their senior-most players in Ravindra Jadeja was traded to Rajasthan Royals alongside fellow all-rounder Sam Curran, in exchange for RR's marquee player-captain Sanju Samson. Arguably, it's the greatest trade in IPL history. Jadeja's exit has left CSK fans divided and it is only understandable.
Super Kings have historically been known as a franchise that has preferred loyalty and emotions over strategic planning. In fact, they had only previously done a IPL trade once before. So why then did they trade Jadeja, one of their veterans, their 'Thalapathy'? Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan explained the reasoning behind this high-profile.
"When I spoke to Jadeja, he was also clear that if there is an opportunity, (then he would be ready)" explained Viswanathan in an offical video posted on CSK's social media handles.
"He also felt that he was at the fag end of his white-ball career. He also felt that he can have a break."
In IPL 2022, Jadeja was appointed CSK's captain at the start of the season but disappointing results and personal form saw the return of MS Dhoni as captain midway through the season. It was a development that allegedly upset Jadeja who was close to leaving the franchise after that year.
However, his eternal loyalty to Dhoni meant that he stayed on. The latest development, though, happened on mutual grounds and CSK initiated the trade deal only after they got the go-ahead from Jadeja.
"It is a must that we should consult the players concerned and it was after discussing with them that we took this decision."
"As a franchise, you guys know that we haven't taken the path of trading except for one year when we got Robin Uthappa. The team management felt the need for a top-order Indian batter and since not a lot of Indian top-order batters are going to be available at the auction, we thought that the best way forward is to get one through the trade window."
In Samson, CSK have a top-order batter who played majority of his IPL career at no.3 but has also found monstrous success as an opener in international cricket. The Kerala batter is also a wicket-keeper, meaning that a natural succession is being planned with Dhoni's IPL career in its final chapter.
Samson's entry is also a clear sign that Super Kings are intent on planning for the future. Since their return from the ban in 2018, the management has opted for experience over youth in all their auctions thus far with 2025 being the only exception to some extent. While Dhoni was fitter and firing, an ageing squad wasn't a worry but that is no longer the case.
"See, we have a lot of players who are at the fag end of their careers, so we need to build a team in the next couple of years. Since this is a mini auction, we don't have the opportunity to get the best of Indian batters and Sanju has been one of the most experienced IPL batters. He has also been leading well for Rajasthan Royals, so we thought he will be a good addition for us to take care of the future."