The trading window is going to open soon before the IPL 2026 season. Meanwhile, a big news is coming out. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are eyeing Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and star wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson. Although there has been no formal conversation between the two franchises so far, a senior CSK official has confirmed that he is interested in including Samson in his team. This discussion is also important because CSK captain MS Dhoni’s hopes of playing the next season are not yet clear.
CSK expresses interest
Speaking to Cricbuzz, a senior CSK official said, ‘We are definitely interested in Sanju. He is an Indian batsman, who is also a keeper and an opener. If they are available, then we will definitely consider the option to include him in our team. However, he also made it clear that no decision has been taken on which player will be traded instead of which player.
Samson price and potential trade
Sanju Samson was retained by Rajasthan Royals for ₹ 18 crore for the IPL 2025 season. On this amount, CSK has also retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, in such a situation, it is believed that if the trade is done then it can be an equal deal. But CSK coach Stephen Fleming has already said that Gaikwad is being seen as a long -term captain, so it does not seem possible to have trades.
Other teams also in line
According to sources, CSK is not the only team that wants to do Sanju Samson in his court. Two other franchisees have also approached Rajasthan Royals. The RR management had recently held an IPL 18 season review meeting in London, in which Rahul Dravid was also present. In this meeting, trade proposals on many players including Sanju Samson were discussed.
RR has two wicketkeeper-batsman
Apart from Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals also have young wicketkeeper-batsmen like Dhruv Jurael. In such a situation, if the team gets a big offer for Samson, then they can consider it, but only when you get a “option of equal”.
IPL Trading Window Rules
* Players can be traded from 7 days after the end of IPL 2025 from 7 days before the 2026 auction.
* A player can be traded only once in a season.
* Trade will be possible only when the player is fit and all medical procedures are completed.
* It is mandatory for foreign players to take NOC from the concerned Cricket Board.
* In any trade, no separate payment can be made to the player or team in addition to league fees.