Rajasthan Royals Reportedly Want Either Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad or Shivam Dube in Exchange for Sanju Samson

Robin Uthappa proposed a trade where CSK would get Sanju Samson from RR for R Ashwin and Sam Curran, ahead of the 2026 IPL season.

Rajasthan Royals Reportedly Want Either Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad or Shivam Dube in Exchange for Sanju Samson

RR have asked either for Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad from CSK, in exchange for Sanju Samson. (via NDTV Sports)

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Sanju Samson’s rumored move to the Chennai Super Kings before the 2026 IPL season has reportedly hit a roadblock, with the Rajasthan Royals reportedly demanding one of CSK’s top players in return. RR is said to want either Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, or Shivam Dube in exchange.

Sanju Samson has been in the headlines for weeks now, with recent reports indicating that he is at odds with the Rajasthan Royals management and has requested to be released before the next IPL season. The discord is reportedly due to Samson being unhappy with his reduced role, tensions with head coach Rahul Dravid, and his demotion to the no. 3 batting spot following the emergence of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

To improve his chances of keeping his spot in India’s T20I setup and to continue playing as an opener, his preferred batting position, Samson is reportedly seeking a new challenge. While both the player and the franchise have remained quiet on the matter, it is speculated that the Chennai Super Kings are interested in signing the Kerala-born batter, who is being considered a potential long-term successor to MS Dhoni.

The trade window has started to heat up ahead of the 2026 IPL auctions. There are rumors that CSK might pursue a trade deal to acquire Sanju Samson’s services. Adding to the speculation, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who played for CSK last season, made a surprising proposal on his recent podcast. Addressing rumors about his own future with the team, Ashwin, with Samson as his guest, jokingly suggested he would be willing to trade himself to help Samson move to Chennai.

Recent reports indicate that the Royals’ management, led by owner Manoj Badale, has reached out to IPL franchises about a potential trade for Samson. Badale has reportedly spoken with the CSK management and has specified three players from the Chennai franchise he is interested in acquiring, in exchange for Samson, who still remains an integral part of RR and is their highest-paid player at INR 18 crores.

The Rajasthan Royals management has specified its interest in acquiring one of three players from CSK, Ravindra Jadeja, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, or Shivam Dube. Jadeja, who comes off an impressive red-ball series against England, is a vital part of the team. Gaikwad, who missed most of the 2025 season due to injury, is expected to be the team’s leader, while Dube remains a a crucial member of CSK’s middle-order.

The Super Kings, however, are reportedly uninterested in considering offers for any of these three players. If CSK refuses to trade any of their star players, Samson may be released into the auction, where the Men in Yellow would have to spend a significant amount of money to sign him.

Ex-India Batter Names Riyan Parag as the Reason Behind Sanju Samson’s Discontent at RR

Former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath surprisingly claimed that young all-rounder Riyan Parag is the reason for Sanju Samson’s discontent with Rajasthan Royals. Badrinath’s comments come amid rumors that Samson has requested to be released by the franchise.

Riyan Parag reason Sanju Samson
Subramaniam Badrinath blamed Riyan Parag as the reason behind Sanju Samson’s discontent at RR. (via India TV News)

Samson missed a significant part of the 2025 IPL season, due to injury issues. He only played in nine of the 14 matches, with Riyan Parag standing in as captain. Badrinath claimed that Samson now feels his role has been diminished at RR, with Parag being groomed for a future leadership position, which he further suggested, is a major reason why Samson has reportedly asked to be released. 

While his former side, CSK, is reportedly pursuing Samson, Badrinath expressed concern about how the keeper-batter would fit into their lineup. He noted that Samson might have to bat lower down the order if Ruturaj Gaikwad reclaims his opening spot alongside 18-year-old prodigy Ayush Mhatre.