Sanju Samson [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]
According to emerging reports, Chennai Super Kings have apparently shown interest in trading Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026. Samson, who leads RR in the tournament, has been in reckoning for a potential base shift after the IPL 2025.
Multiple Franchises Apart From CSK Interested In Samson
A report from Cricbuzz states that several IPL franchises other than the Super Kings have shown interest in drafting Sanju Samson to their respective setups during the IPL trade window.
While Samson's CSK joining initially seemed like a social media buzz, the report has actually added fuel to the gossip.
"We are definitely looking at Sanju. He is an Indian batter, who is a keeper and an opener. So if he is available, we will certainly have a look at the option of having him in our fold. Who we will trade him with we have not taken that call because the matter has not gone that far. But yes, in principle, we are interested," a CSK official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
The report also states that the concerned authorities of CSK and RR haven't had formal talks regarding Samson's potential trade. Therefore, it remains to be seen if it will be an all-cash trade or a player-for-player swap between the finalists of the inaugural IPL season.
If we go a few years back in the timeline, RR and CSK executed an all-cash trade for Robin Uthappa, who joined the Yellow Army ahead of the 2021 season.
Although Samson is a like-for-like replacement of Ruturaj Gaikwad in terms of his budget, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has earlier confirmed that the Maharashtra batter would serve the five-time champions as a long-term captain. In such a scenario, it will be interesting to see which players RR demand in exchange for Samson, provided the deal gets cracked.