Ravichandran Ashwin leaks another big IPL Trade, involving Punjab Kings-Rajasthan Royals

Former Team India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Punjab Kings (PBKS) had also attempted to trade for Sanju Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Ashwin also stated that the Rajasthan Royals received an offer involving all-rounder Marcus Stoinis from PBKS but chose not to proceed with the deal.

Speculation around trades is buzzing with rumours ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. As per the latest developments, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals are discussing a possible player swap. RR could receive Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, while Sanju Samson might join the Chennai Super Kings.

Marcus Stoinis Might Have Also Been on the Table - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that the Punjab Kings also explored a move for Sanju Samson. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said the Rajasthan Royals were approached with an offer that included Marcus Stoinis. He added that RR were looking for a finisher and a dependable bowler.

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“I heard this murmur that it wasn’t just Delhi or Chennai that were in the race (to get Sanju Samson via trade), but Rajasthan also got a trade offer from the Punjab Kings."

"It was a very good offer. Rajasthan wanted a bowler and finisher combination. I hear that Marcus Stoinis might have also been on the table,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on Ash ki Baat.

Ashwin did not reveal which bowler PBKS might have included in the proposed trade. The possibilities, based on their squad makeup, could have been experienced names like Yuzvendra Chahal or Harpreet Brar, or younger options such as Vijaykumar Vyshak.

Sanju Samson Becomes the Most In-Demand Name in Ongoing Trade Discussions

Sanju Samson has become the most in-demand name in the ongoing trade discussions. He has been with the Rajasthan Royals and has also led the team in recent seasons. However, he performed below his usual standards in 2025. He played just nine matches due to injuries and scored 285 runs.

Chennai Super Kings have emerged as the strongest contenders to pull off a trade, with reports suggesting they are willing to part ways with Ravindra Jadeja. CSK may also include either Sam Curran or Matheesha Pathirana.

The combined value of Jadeja and Curran is around ₹20.40 crore, which is close to Samson’s ₹18 crore price. Jadeja could move to Rajasthan in exchange for Samson, making it one of the most significant trades of the upcoming IPL cycle.

Punjab Kings Could Not Match Chennai Super Kings’ Trade Proposal for Sanju Samson

Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings could not match the Chennai Super Kings’ trade proposal for Sanju Samson. Marcus Stoinis was bought at ₹11 crore, and PBKS would still have needed to add another player or cash to come close to CSK’s offer.

Aside from Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh, PBKS lacked high-value trade assets capable of balancing a swap for Samson, which left their proposal short of RR’s expectations.

With Punjab unable to put together a competitive deal, CSK remain the frontrunners to secure the Royals captain.

All franchises must finalize and submit their retention and release lists by November 15, while the mini-auction is slated to be held in mid-December, with the venue yet to be finalized.

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