Sanju Samson to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK captain? New Report drops bombshell
Published - 12 Nov 2025, 04:18 PM | Updated - 12 Nov 2025, 04:20 PM
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has reportedly made a special request to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) amid the ongoing trade discussions between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Royals.
According to the latest reports, Jadeja is expected to lead the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 if the trade deal goes through.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Rajasthan Royals have demanded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange for Sanju Samson. Notably, the two star cricketers share the same salary bracket of ₹18 crore. It could be one of the high-profile trades ahead of the November 15 retention deadline.
Ravindra Jadeja Likely to Take Over as Captain of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026
According to a report by News18 CricketNext, Ravindra Jadeja is likely to take over as captain of Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2026 season.
The veteran all-rounder is expected to join RR along with Sam Curran in a trade deal that would send Sanju Samson to the Chennai Super Kings.
Jadeja has requested the captaincy role, expressing his wish to lead a franchise in the final phase of his IPL career. Rajasthan’s management is also open to the idea of appointing a new leader.
"News18 CricketNext has learned that Jadeja has asked the RR management for captaincy as part of their trade, which involves Sanju Samson moving the other way," the report read.
While Riyan Parag temporarily captained RR last season in Sanju Samson's absence, the franchise management believes Jadeja’s vast experience and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate to guide the team.
Ravindra Jadeja Captained Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2022
Ravindra Jadeja began his IPL journey with Rajasthan Royals during the inaugural 2008 season. After two years with the franchise, he was suspended in 2010 for contract violations. He moved to the Chennai Super Kings in 2012, a switch that defined his career.
During his stint with CSK, Jadeja became one of the franchise’s most valuable players. He has scored 2,198 runs and taken 143 wickets in 186 matches. The all-rounder was part of CSK’s title triumphs in 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Jadeja led CSK in 2022 after MS Dhoni stepped down, but struggled to deliver results, with the team losing six of its first eight matches.
Dhoni returned as captain midway through the season. Jadeja’s leadership could now bring balance and experience to a young Rajasthan Royals squad.
Sanju Samson Likely to Play as Player for CSK in IPL 2026
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson is not expected to take over the Chennai Super Kings captaincy. Sanju Samson is seen as the long-term successor to MS Dhoni, but the franchise plans to continue with Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain for the upcoming season.
Samson will bolster CSK’s top order and bring valuable experience to the lineup. The Kerala batter led the Rajasthan Royals in 67 matches, securing 33 wins and 33 losses. He is also the franchise’s all-time leading run-scorer, with 4,027 runs in 149 matches at an average of 31.71 and a strike rate of 141.25.
"Sources indicate that the high-profile move, which also involves all-rounder Sam Curran moving to RR, has been all but finalised from both sides and, barring any hiccups, will be announced in the next couple of days," the report added.
Also read: Gujarat Titans retain 2 foreign players, KKR hunt down Cameron Green, LSG release top foreign asset
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