Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) player Ravichandran Ashwin has given his approval to the reported trade between the franchises involving three players: CSK’s Ravindra Jadeja
and Sam Curran, and RR’s Sanju Samson. Ashwin, however, feels that neither Samson nor Jadeja will be seen as captains in IPL 2026 itself, with both teams likely to prioritise their existing options.
Jadeja, 37, and Samson, 30, are both iconic players for their teams, who have seen a bit of trouble. Jadeja, for example, was appointed captain in 2022 and removed mid-way through when the results didn’t go his way. Samson, on the other hand, often seemed distant from RR’s decision-making processes in the 2025 season before reportedly putting in an informal transfer request to the franchise’s decision makers.
“If, along with Jadeja, Sam Curran also goes, he gives them the vital fast-bowling option, and along with this great batting form, it is going to be a phenomenal deal for Rajasthan. CSK will also benefit by bringing Samson in. They will also have a lot of money going into the auction, and they get the option of buying (Australian all-rounder) Cameron Green,” said Ashwin.
Ashwin said Jadeja has been pivotal for CSK over the past three years, contributing as a reliable middle-overs spinner and a powerful finisher with the bat. He added that Jadeja’s move to the Rajasthan Royals would be a huge boost, as his left-handed finishing ability and bowling would perfectly suit Jaipur’s conditions.
He, however, added that CSK will need a couple of holes to fill
“But where will they get the spinner from? Will Cameron Green be able to finish off games? Will CSK look after Ben Stokes too? Only time will tell. I don’t think Sanju will be given the captaincy because it would be his first season there. I think Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue, but he will definitely be an option going ahead,” he added.
CSK will also need to rope in a spinner. Without Jadeja and Ashwin, who retired earlier this year, they don’t have any world-class Indian spin option. Reportedly, they attempted to trade in Washington Sundar from the Gujarat Titans, which failed.
Ashwin added that despite Jadeja’s stature, he, too, is unlikely to lead RR from the onset, considering the youth-oriented culture at the Royals.
“Jadeja is no small player for CSK. This is not something CSK have done in the past. You have to speak to the player. It is a good option for Jadeja; he can get to finish his IPL career where he began,” said Ashwin. “It is always difficult to lead the side in your first year as you have to gel with the rest of the squad. I have played for the Rajasthan Royals, and I am familiar with their culture. It is a team built on youngsters and connections,” he added.
