Sanju Samson’s CSK dream hits big roadblock, massive price revealed
Published - 14 Aug 2025, 01:55 PM | Updated - 14 Aug 2025, 02:55 PM
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The buzz around Indian wicketkeeper-batter and Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson’s future in the IPL just keeps getting louder. Last week, reports claimed that Sanju Samson had asked the Rajasthan Royals to either release him or trade him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
After which, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were thrown into the mix as one of the top contenders to sign the Rajasthan Royals captain. But CSK’s experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin cooled down the hype with a bold yet interesting statement on the buzz.
Ravichandran Ashwin drops truth bomb on Sanju Samson-CSK trade rumours
The former Indian all-rounder reminded fans that trades in the IPL don’t work like simple cash transfers. Since Samson carries a price tag of INR 18 crores, Chennai Super Kings would have to send players of equal value back to the Rajasthan Royals if they wanted to bring him in.
Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel, “CSK fans are passionate and hopeful about landing Sanju Samson via trade. Yet, they must remember they have to send a player or players, adding up to 18 crores. You can't just say, 'I'll clear space for 18 crores by leaving a player/players to the auction.' Either they can send a player worth 18 crores to RR or involve a third team and send the player worth 18 crores to them.”
Meanwhile, a Cricbuzz report claimed that the Chennai Super Kings have already rejected a trade proposal from the Rajasthan Royals. They reportedly asked for one of CSK’s biggest names—Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube—in exchange for Samson.
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'CSK doesn't believe in trading players'
However, CSK turned down the request, making it clear they aren’t willing to part ways with their core players. Given that, Ashwin feels the Sanju Samson trade to CSK is highly unlikely. He pointed out that CSK rarely trade their key players, and RR don’t gain much from letting go of their captain.
The former Indian off-spinner has further hinted that the chances of Samson going back into the IPL 2026 auction are slim, as RR would be the biggest loser in that scenario.
Ashwin further noted, “The other reason why the trade will likely not go through is CSK doesn't believe in trading players. They won't give Dube or Jadeja. Also, RR doesn't have a major gain in this trade from a cricketing point of view. But the chances of Sanju coming to the auction are minimal, as RR will be the lone loser in that case. There is also a heavy chance of Sanju staying with RR.”
Ravichandran Ashwin confident RR can bounce back stronger in IPL 2026 even without Sanju Samson
Well, Rajasthan Royals had a forgettable IPL 2025 season, finishing second from the bottom with just four wins in 14 matches. However, Ashwin believes that the Royals could still bounce back strongly in IPL 2026, even if they let go of their skipper and send him into the auction.
He signed off by saying, “RR are not short on skill on their side even without Sanju. Yes, losing him will be a big hit. But their team is still good, and if they correct their bowling with that money, the team will be set.”
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