Sanju Samson To CSK? Analysing the ₹40 Crore Trade Rumour With Dube And Ashwin

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Sanju Samson, Ravi Ashwin and Shivam Dube [Source: @rajasthanroyals, @CricketSatire/x.com]Sanju Samson, Ravi Ashwin and Shivam Dube [Source: @rajasthanroyals, @CricketSatire/x.com]

Recent reports suggest that a trade is brewing between the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, involving star players such as Shivam Dube, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Sanju Samson. Although there is no confirmation of this, the rumoured deal presents fascinating strategic implications for both franchises. 

Let's analyse why this potential trade makes sense for all parties involved.

CSK's Primary Weakness

IPL 2025 turned out to be the worst season for CSK in the history of the tournament. They managed to win only four of their 14 matches in the tournament and finished at the bottom of the table. 

MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter of India, remains an inspirational leader; however, it is undeniable that he is in the twilight of his career. His 196 runs, at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17 in IPL 2025, left the Super Kings with something more impactful in that position.

While Sanju Samson did not have a great outing in the latest edition of the tournament, over the years, he has consistently proven himself as an explosive and impactful batter at the top of the order. 

The Trade Dynamics: ₹21.75cr vs ₹18cr

The rumoured trade proposal sees CSK potentially parting ways with two proven performers worth ₹21.75 crore combined for RR's Sanju Samson, also worth ₹21.75 crore. If these reports materialise, here's the financial breakdown of the deal:

Player
Team
Price (₹ Cr)
2025 Performance
Shivam DubeCSK → RR12357 runs, 21 sixes
R. AshwinCSK → RR9.757 wickets, 9.13 economy
Sanju SamsonRR → CSK18285 runs, 35.63 avg

Sanju Samson's 12-Year Pedigree

When we look at and analyse Sanju Samson's IPL career, the game changes in this trade deal. 

Phase
Years
Performance
Achievement
Early Promise2013-2015206-339 runsEmerging Player Award
Maturation2016-2017291-386 runsFirst IPL century
Consistency2018-2020342-441 runsEstablished star
Leadership Era2021-2024362-531 runsCaptain, led to IPL Final

Aged 30, Samson arrives at CSK at probably his prime and promises 4-5 seasons of peak performance while also bringing valuable captaincy experience to the table.

Short-term vs Long-term Value

Short term vs long term analysis of the trade [Source: OneCricket]Short term vs long term analysis of the trade [Source: OneCricket]

If we look in terms of what the players bring to the team, then - RR profits immediately by acquiring an explosive middle-order batter and a proven spinner. CSK has opted to invest in long-term transformations. Sanju Samson's introduction into the CSK dynamics will help them get an upgrade in the keeper-batter category for now and also provide them with leadership experience for future transitions. 

Win-Win Situation

How the trade impacts the two teams [Source: OneCricket]How the trade impacts the two teams [Source: OneCricket]

The trade works for both teams because it somewhere addresses their specific needs, at least on paper. RR maximises immediate championship potential with proven performers, whereas CSK prioritises long-term stability. As far as the financial aspect is concerned, CSK is receiving ₹21.75 cr worth of talent for ₹18 cr, which masks the actual value: positional scarcity, investment in captaincy experience, and a search for long-term stability. Notably, quality wicket-keeper batters command a premium due to their rarity and specialised skill set.