RR Wants 2 Players For Samson; Here Is Who CSK Will Offer

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: AFP Media]Ravichandran Ashwin and Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: AFP Media]

The potential movement of Sanju Samson to a different franchise has been a piece of hot cake in the IPL trade discussions. A recent seismic revelation regarding the same has erupted in the market. As per the latest reports, Sanju Samson has formally requested Rajasthan Royals for either a trade or outright release ahead of IPL 2026. 

The Chennai Super Kings, who had their worst season in IPL 2025 and are also looking for a potential replacement for MS Dhoni, are the most interested franchise to trade in the 30-year-old wicketkeeper. If the reports are to be believed, the inaugural IPL champions are looking to exchange Samson for two players. So, in this article, we will take a look at the players CSK can offer to bring in the Kerala wicketkeeper in their mix of things. 

Why Samson Wants To Leave RR?

Samson was one of the six retained players by Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025. The franchise paid him around ₹18 Cr for the next cycle. However, injuries plagued him, and he could not play for the majority of the season.

Sanju Samson for RR [Source: AFP Media]Sanju Samson for RR [Source: AFP Media]

In his absence, the Royals found a dynamic opener in Vaibah Suryavnashi, who served them well during the last season. When the RR skipper made a return from injury, he had to bat at number three.

As per the latest reports, Samson wants to open, and hence, the player and the franchise are not currently aligned. 

CSK's 2025 Debacle

CSK endured an unprecedented nadir, winning just four out of their 14 matches. With MS Dhoni's career in the twilight, the franchise will be looking for an able replacement.

Sanju Samson comes in as a captaincy candidate, a dependable wicketkeeper batter and someone who still has at least three to four years of good cricket left in him. With this, the five-time IPL champions could go hard after the keeper batter and offer the following players to the Royals in exchange. 

1. Ravichandran Ashwin

Why CSK Should Release Him?

The Chennai Super Kings paid ₹ 9.75 Cr to plan the homecoming of the Indian off-spinner. However, Ravichandran Ashwin's return metamorphosed into an unmitigated disaster. 

He featured in nine matches during the season and picked up only seven wickets in them. Ravi Ashwin conceded around 9.13 runs per over during the season and averages over 40 with the ball. The franchise tried to use him in different roles, but failed to deliver.

Ravichandran Ashwin for CSK [Source: AFP Media]Ravichandran Ashwin for CSK [Source: AFP Media]

Why RR Would Want Ravi Ashwin?

The Rajasthan Royals lacked a bit of depth in the spin department during the IPL 2025 season. While Wanindu Hasaranga delivered in some of the games, he was mostly inconsistent, and Maheesh Theekshana failed to be the effective bowler they expected him to be.

Ashwin has already played for the Royals and, infact, he made a decent all-round contribution while being a part of the team. His experience his something the Royals can use to groom their spin arsenal and emerge as a better team in IPL 2026. 

2. Sam Curran

Why CSK Should Release Him?

The Chennai Super Kings bought the English all-rounder for ₹2.40 Cr and expected him to be one of their best utility investments. However, barring a decent knock with the bat, Sam Curran mostly failed to deliver on the primary front that was expected of him.

CSK were able to play him in just five matches. With the bat, he scored 114 runs in them at a strike rate of 135.71. With the ball, Curran picked up a single wicket and conceded nearly 12 runs an over.

Thus, the Super Kings can release him, as that will not only give them an extra overseas spot to work with, but it will also give them a chance to acquire a more suitable player for them. 

Sam Curran for CSK [Source: AFP Media]Sam Curran for CSK [Source: AFP Media]

Why RR Would Want Sam Curran?

During his time with CSK and even before that, Sam Curran has shown that he can bat in the top order. If RR are letting go of Sanju Samson, then Curran could be a good option to use in the top three. 

Besides, the fact that Curran can also bowl some valuable overs will allow RR to work with more depth and dynamism in their playing conditions. 

Conclusion

These strategic trades will address the probable weaknesses of both franchises. With Ashwin, RR can address the lack of experience in their spin department and with RR, they can add depth and dynamism to their all-rounder weaponry while also using him as the replacement of Samson in the top-order.

On the other hand, CSK with Samson can strengthen their leadership core, add a dynamic yet experienced player in the top order and also plan for a post-Dhoni era.