In a blockbuster trade ahead of IPL 2026, Sanju Samson moved from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in November 2025.
The deal saw RR send
their long-time captain and wicketkeeper-batter to CSK in exchange for all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Samson joined CSK at his existing retained fee of ₹18 crore, while Jadeja's salary was revised downward to ₹14 crore for RR.
The trade, finalized just before the retention deadline, addressed CSK's pursuit of Samson over recent years and resolved initial hurdles over overseas slots. Samson had expressed a desire for change after IPL 2025, seeking a fresh start amid reported internal dynamics at RR, including captaincy ambitions from younger players.
Samson debuted for RR in 2013 after a brief unused stint with Kolkata Knight Riders. Except for 2016-17 with Delhi Capitals, he spent over a decade with RR, playing 177 IPL matches and amassing 4,704 runs at an average of 30.95 and strike rate of 139.05. He hit 3 centuries and 26 fifties during his time. He captained RR from 2021, leading them to the 2022 final and consistent playoff appearances.
And the 31-year-old is set to commence his CSK journey on the backdrop of a stellar outing with the Indian team. Samson had a fantastic T20 World Cup for India, amassing 321 runs, which included three stellar knocks of 97*, 89 and 89 in the knockouts of the competition. Sanju, who had seen his place in doubt at the start of the tournament, ended up winning the Player of the Tournament award.
Sanju Samson set for CSK debut against Rajasthan Royals
As the IPL 2026 schedule was announced on Wednesday, Sanju has learnt that he will be up against his old team in the very first match. Sanju's new team Chennai Super Kings, will lock horns against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati, thus marking the beginning of the new season for them.
It promises to be an emotional evening for Sanju, who will be donning the Yellow after a decade in Pink. But perhaps to the relief of the player, the match won't be played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur; it will be played at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. RR, after Sanju's departure, have picked Riyan Parag as captain, and this will be the first match as RR's permanent captain for the Assamese boy.
