Sanju Samson will make a landmark switch to the Chennai Super Kings at Rs 18 crore in the biggest-ever trade deal signed by the franchise, while CSK legend Ravindra Jadeja will return to his first IPL franchise, the Rajasthan Royals, with a renewed salary cut from Rs 18 crore to Rs 14 crore.
Samson has played 177 IPL matches since his first IPL signing with the Kolkata Knight Riders. CSK will be the fourth franchise of his career. Since making his IPL debut in 2013, the Kerala wicket-keeper has represented RR in all but two seasons—2016 and 2017—when he played for Delhi Capitals.
“Jadeja, who played for CSK for 12 seasons, is among the most experienced players in the league, having played over 250 games. As part of the trade agreement, his league fee has been revised from INR 18 crore to INR 14 crore,” the IPL statement read. Besides Jadeja, RR have also scooped up England all-rounder Sam Curran for Rs 2.4 crore from CSK as part of the Samson deal.
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Samson is widely touted as CSK’s long-awaited successor and part of their transition plans for their legendary talisman, MS Dhoni. The 44-year-old is understood to have signed up for one more season, according to The Indian Express, and in Samson, CSK have found a three-in-one cricketer who can fix their top-order woes, serve as a wicketkeeper, and be a potential captaincy candidate.
Mohammed Shami moves from SRH to LSG
Out-of-favour India pacer Mohammed Shami will also switch bases after a wavering year with the SunRisers Hyderabad. Shami, the second-most expensive acquisition for SRH ahead of the IPL 2025 season at INR 10 crore, will move to LSG at his existing fee. Before joining SRH, Shami was an vital cog of the Gujarat Titans setup and clinched the Purple Cap in 2023 with 28 wickets in 17 matches as the side finisher runners-up.
Other confirmed IPL 2026 trade deals
- Mayank Markande – Kolkata Knight Riders to Mumbai Indians at INR 30 Lakh.
- Arjun Tendulkar – Mumbai Indians to Lucknow Super Giants at INR 30 Lakh.
- Nitish Rana – Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals at INR 4.2 crore
- Donovan Ferreira – Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals at INR 1 crore
