Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 15: In one of the most sensational player trades in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have parted ways with their long-standing star and captain Sanju Samson, who will now don the iconic yellow jersey of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In return, RR have acquired two proven match-winners — CSK legend Ravindra Jadeja and English all-rounder Sam Curran — marking a seismic shift in the league's power balance.
As per the official IPL announcement, Samson joins CSK at his existing price of Rs 18 crore, while Jadeja’s revised fee stands at Rs 14 crore. Curran moves to RR at his retained price of Rs 2.4 crore.
End of an Era for RR
For over a decade, Sanju Samson has been the face of Rajasthan Royals. Joining the franchise as a teenager in 2013, the stylish wicketkeeper-batter quickly became a fan favourite and one of IPL’s premier Indian talents. After RR's suspension (2016-17), Samson returned stronger and took over the captaincy in 2021.
Under his leadership — alongside the guidance of director Kumar Sangakkara — RR produced their best campaign in years, reaching the IPL 2022 final. Samson’s standout season came in 2024, where he amassed 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47.
Despite another promising start in 2025, a side strain ruled him out midway through the season, triggering RR’s dramatic slide in form. With 4,219 runs in 155 matches, Samson leaves RR as their all-time leading run-scorer across IPL and CLT20.
Jadeja Returns to His First IPL Home
For Ravindra Jadeja, this trade is a full circle moment. The star all-rounder began his IPL journey with RR in 2008 and was part of Shane Warne’s title-winning squad.
Jadeja has been synonymous with CSK, delivering match-winning performances across 13 seasons in yellow. With 143 wickets and 2,198 runs for CSK, he departs as the franchise’s leading wicket-taker and top run-scorer among all-rounders.
His unforgettable last-over heroics in the IPL 2023 final, which clinched CSK’s fifth title, remains etched in league history. Jadeja also enjoyed one of his best batting seasons in 2025, scoring 301 runs at an average of 33.54.
Third Franchise for Sam Curran
England’s dynamic left-arm all-rounder Sam Curran moves to RR as part of the mega swap. Curran, who has previously played for Punjab Kings and CSK, brings with him 997 IPL runs and 59 wickets. His explosive batting and crafty variations with the ball make him a valuable addition to RR’s rebuilding phase.
A Trade That Redefines IPL Narratives
This blockbuster three-player exchange is being hailed as one of the most dramatic moves in IPL history.
• CSK secure a long-term Indian batting pillar in Samson.
• RR bolster their squad with experience, all-round depth, and proven IPL pedigree in Jadeja and Curran.
With the 2026 IPL season on the horizon, both franchises appear poised for a strategic reset — one that could reshape the dynamics of the league for years to come.