Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has reacted to reports suggesting that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are interested in trading Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR). Chopra said that the Royals might seek a high-value player like Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja in return for Sanju Samson.
According to a PTI report, six RR players have drawn interest from other IPL teams during the early phase of the trading window, which began on June 4. This window will remain open until a week before the 2026 auction, then reopen after the auction and close one month before the next season starts.
Rajasthan May Demand Ashwin or Jadeja in Return – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said that if CSK make a formal offer, Rajasthan could demand Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja in return. Chopra added that discussions haven’t progressed to the point where specific names have been discussed.
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“Will this trade happen? CSK have expressed interest, but they haven’t reached the stage of talks where potential trade names have been discussed. Rajasthan may want either Ashwin or Jadeja in return. It’s well within their rights to ask, if the trade ever progresses that far,” Chopra said on his YouTube show.
According to Cricbuzz, a Chennai Super Kings official confirmed that the franchise is open to welcoming Sanju Samson. However, CSK have not yet initiated formal talks with the Royals’ management regarding a potential trade for the RR captain.
Sanju Samson Has Been with the Rajasthan Royals Since Rejoining in 2018
Sanju Samson has been part of the Rajasthan Royals since rejoining the franchise in 2018 after a two-year stint with Delhi Capitals (DC). Ahead of the 2025 mega auction, Rajasthan retained him for ₹18 crore.
The emergence of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in IPL 2025 has added depth to RR’s batting line-up. Vaibhav opened the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, pushing Samson down to the middle order.
Samson’s IPL 2025 campaign was marred by injuries. He started the tournament as an Impact Player in the first three games before suffering an abdominal injury against Delhi Capitals, which ruled him out for five matches. Rajasthan Royals, under head coach Rahul Dravid, failed to qualify for the playoffs.
A CSK Official Has Said They Are Interested and Keen – Aakash Chopra
Amid ongoing speculation about a potential trade, Aakash Chopra said that Sanju Samson could be a successor to MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings. Chopra stated that they see Samson as an option to take over the role in the post-Dhoni era.
“A CSK official has said they are interested and keen. They feel it would be great to have Samson because he’s a keeper-batter, and they need to plan beyond MS Dhoni. So he could be a very good option,” Chopra said.
Chennai Super Kings finished at the bottom of the IPL 2025 standings. They picked Gujarat’s uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel as an injury replacement for Vansh Bedi. Patel scored 68 runs at a strike rate of 212.50 across three innings but didn’t keep wickets and remains untested in that role.
MS Dhoni hasn’t confirmed his availability for IPL 2026. Following the 2025 season, the veteran stated he was taking his time before making a decision. CSK must now begin planning for a future beyond their iconic captain.
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