CSK eye Sanju Samson trade: 3 players who could be offered to RR for IPL 2026

Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season could witness one of the biggest trades as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is reportedly again in talks to acquire Sanju Samson. According to recent reports, discussions between the two franchises have reopened, with CSK willing to give one of their star players to get Sanju Samson. 

Earlier, it was believed that Samson wanted to leave RR, but due to the RR's inability to reach an agreement with CSK, the trade rumours were dropped. However, with trade talks heating up again, in this article, let's take a look at 3 players CSK might offer RR in exchange for Samson.

1. Ravindra Jadeja

(Ravindra Jadeja stats in IPL 2025)

• One of the biggest names that CSK could put on the table is Ravindra Jadeja. The experienced all-rounder was retained by Chennai for ₹18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. 
• Ravindra Jadeja has been one of CSK's most dependable performers over the years. The star performer has scored 2,198 runs and picking up 143 wickets in 186 IPL matches for the franchise.
• Interestingly, Jadeja began his IPL journey with Rajasthan back in 2008 and 2009. If he returns to RR, it would complete a full circle in his IPL career. At 36, Jadeja may be nearing the twilight of his career, but his all-around abilities and unmatched fielding still make him a valuable player.
• RR, who have struggled with middle-order consistency, could benefit from Jadeja’s presence. It would not be wrong to say that RR's batting has often struggled under pressure, and adding someone like Jadeja would provide much-needed stability depth in both batting and bowling. Another factor that RR will want Jadeja is that it will increase their brand value. 
• On the other hand, for CSK losing Jadeja would be a massive blow. It is important to mention that he has been an integral part of CSK for years.

2. Shivam Dube

The second in the list could be Shivam Dube. The all-rounder has been in decent form since his comeback to India in 2024. Looking at his T20I stats for India, Dube has played 27 matches and scored 455 runs.

(Shivam Dube's stats for India in T20I [2024+2025])

• Retained by CSK for ₹12 crore ahead of IPL 2025, and has scored 357 runs in 14 matches at the strike-rate of 132.22
•  The fact cannot be denied that Dube's game has matured significantly, especially with his improved ability to bowl useful overs. For RR, who are looking to strengthen both their middle-order and all-round options, Dube could be a perfect fit. 
• While Shimron Hetmyer, who was bought for ₹11 crores, failed to make much of a contribution in the middle order. RR will want to invest in a player who can hit the ball right from the start, and Dube could be the best option.
• RR's bowling attack has lacked consistency, and adding Dube would also strengthen their bowling options. His contribution with both bat and ball will give RR a reliable all-rounder option.

3. Matheesha Pathirana

(Matheesha Pathirana's stats in IPL 2025)

• The third possible player CSK might consider offering is Matheesha Pathirana. Retained for ₹13 crore ahead of IPL 2025, Pathirana was expected to lead CSK’s pace attack but struggled to live up to expectations last season.
• Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, have been looking to strengthen their fast-bowling department. With Fazalhaq Farooqi failing to impress in IPL 2025, going wicketless in five matches, RR could use a specialist death bowler like Pathirana for the upcoming season.
• Pairing Pathirana with Jofra Archer would give the Royals a strong death-bowling combination. Considering his age (22 years), Pathirana can also be developed as an long-term player for RR.

---

ALSO READ

Sanju Samson's RR exit possible; CSK ready to trade 'top player' before IPL auction: Report

---