IPL 2026 Trade Deals: Keeper-Batters RR Could Target If Sanju Samson Goes To CSK

Debashis Sarangi

Sanju Samson could be traded to CSK as per reports [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]Sanju Samson could be traded to CSK as per reports [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

Swashbuckling Indian batter Sanju Samson has been an integral part of Rajasthan Royals over the years. However, several reports have suggested that Samson is one of the frontrunners to join Chennai Super Kings through a trade between the two teams before the 2026 season. 

The inaugural champions had a torrid run in the 2025 season, finishing ninth in the standings with just four wins across fourteen matches. While Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal played magnificently as openers, Samson struggled to get going in most matches, scoring 285 runs across nine innings. 

Apart from his topsy-turvy form, Samson's frequent injury concerns could be one of the factors behind his potential transfer. If CSK manages to get Samson in through an all-cash trade deal with RR, here are three keeper-batters that RR can target through trade and mini-auction. 

Ishan Kishan

  • Current team - Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • IPL 2025 price - INR 11.25 Crores

Ishan Kishan, who bagged a lucrative deal with SRH in last year's mega auction, failed to meet the expectations. Although he struck two blazing knocks against RR and RCB, Ishan's roller-coaster ride could force SRH to release him. 

Why could RR target Ishan Kishan?

Ability to decimate attacks on true decks: Ishan Kishan is an explosive batter and can be a game-changer on true batting decks. With Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal forming a robust opening pair, Ishan's inclusion at three could empower RR with a formidable top-order. 

Brand Value: If RR lose Sanju Samson, they would be tempted to bring someone of his stature into their setup. Ishan perfectly fits the bill, as he has a potential to become the face of the franchise in future. 

Rishabh Pant

  • Current team - Lucknow Super Giants
  • IPL 2025 price - INR 27 Crores

Rishabh Pant was the most expensive player in the IPL 2025 mega auction as LSG secured his services for INR 27 Crores. However, the southpaw had a horrible season with the bat, scoring 269 runs at an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.17. So, considering he succumbed to the price-tag pressure, LSG might decide to release him and utilise the freed cash in a better way. 

Why could RR target Rishabh Pant?

  • A Perfect Number 3: Rishabh Pant generally takes a bit of time to get his eyes in before shifting gears in T20 cricket. His delayed entry at four backfired on LSG, with Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran performing key roles as top-order batters. However, if Samson joins CSK, RR will have a vacancy at three, a spot that can very well be filled by Pant. The southpaw can complement the explosive duo of Jaiswal and Suryavanshi and set the foundation for a fitting finish. 
  • Leadership candidate: If Sanju Samson is traded to CSK, RR will seek a suitable candidate to lead them in the IPL 2026. So, Rishabh Pant, who made remarkable use of limited resources and powered LSG to six wins, might grab their attention. 

Quinton de Kock

  • Current team - Kolkata Knight Riders
  • IPL 2025 price - INR 3.60 Crores

Quinton de Kock joined Kolkata Knight Riders after the franchise purchased him in the mega auction. The swashbuckling South African batter had a poor IPL season, scoring 152 runs at an average of 21.71. Given De Kock's rough patch played a key role in KKR's underperformance, the 2024 edition champions might opt to release him ahead of the next season. 

Why could RR target Quinton de Kock?

  • Experience and recent form: Quinton de Kock is regarded as one of the finest keeper-batters to play international cricket for South Africa. He is a clean striker of the ball and has ample experience in the IPL. The batter recently regained his mojo in the MLC 2025, amassing 373 runs, including four blistering fifties, at a strike rate of 142.91. 
  • Low-budget buy that can help RR build their team: Considering how he performed in the IPL 2025, Quinton de Kock's market value could decrease to something around 2.5 crores. So, if RR take the risk of roping him in at a low price instead of going after the big names, they can utilise the remaining amount to strengthen the rest of their team by buying power-hitters and quality bowlers.