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Indigestible! Why trading Ravindra Jadeja for Sanju Samson can haunt CSK's IPL journey forever

Rajgeeta Yadav

MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja [Source: AFP]MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja [Source: AFP]

The IPL 2026 auction could witness one of the biggest shake-ups in league history. Reports suggest that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have almost finalised a blockbuster trade, with only official confirmation pending. 

According to the reports, CSK could send Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. If this happens, it will mark Jadeja’s return to the franchise, where he began his IPL journey.

Having been a part of CSK since 2012, Jadeja has become one of their most trusted and valuable players over the years. However, if the deal goes through, Chennai might lose more than just an all-rounder. Here are three big things CSK would miss if Jadeja leaves for Rajasthan before IPL 2026.

Their “Go-To” man in every situation

For over a decade, Ravindra Jadeja has been CSK’s problem solver. Whether it’s scoring quick runs under pressure, breaking a partnership with his left-arm spin, or saving impossible runs in the field, Jadeja has done it all. He’s not just a player, he has been a safety net for the team which has seen decent amount of success in a league which is easily termed as the most competetive tournament.

Think back to the IPL 2023 final, when CSK needed 13 runs off the last over. Jadeja calmly hit a six and a four in the last two balls, sealing the title in dramatic fashion before MS Dhoni lifted him up.

Jadeja might not always make the headlines like a big power hitter, but his consistency makes him special. His bowling in the middle overs, his ability to maintain tight economy rates while rounding his arms at rapid pace, and his all-round adaptability have allowed CSK to perfectly balance their team.

Then there is his fielding, arguably the best in IPL history. His diving stops, direct hits, and sharp catches have turned matches around. No stats can truly measure the value he adds as a fielder, a position where he holds the ultimate best of this generation. 

Simply put, Jadeja has been the complete package that every captain dreams of having.

The emotional connect with fans and unparalled legacy

Beyond the numbers, Jadeja is part of CSK’s identity. After MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, he became the face of the franchise. His loyalty, commitment, and passion for the yellow jersey have made him a fan favorite.

He walked into CSK as a talented youngster and grew into a legend, “Thalapathy,” as fans in Chennai lovingly call him. Losing him wouldn’t just mean losing a player; it would mean breaking an emotional bond built over 13 years.

We’ve seen what happens when fan-favorite players are moved, like the uproar after Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians’ captain. A similar reaction could happen in Chennai. The fans’ love for Jadeja runs deep, and trading him might divide the CSK faithful.

The irreplaceable experience

Jadeja’s experience is something you can’t replace overnight. He has played 186 matches for CSK, scored over 2, 100 runs, and taken 143 wickets with an economy rate of over seven and half runs.  Needless to say, those numbers speak volumes about his consistency.

Yes, new players like Noor Ahmad, Ayush Mhatre bring fresh talent, but Jadeja’s understanding of the game and his calm under pressure make him irreplaceable. Even if his recent stats look modest, 10 wickets in 14 matches in 2025, his presence alone steadies the team.

CSK might gain a strong wicket-keeper batter in Sanju Samson, but losing an experienced, a veteran of many battles like Jadeja could leave a huge gap. And with that, CSK might struggle to fill the void in the years to come if their desriable move turns into reality.