A major exchange that seemed to be definitely set is now at a standstill. As per the recently aired news, the transfer which was to see Sanju Samson going to CSK by the exchange of Jadeja and Curran coming to RR has met with difficulties. Although the transaction had progressed to the stage where it was publicly rumored that all three players consented and the “expression of interest” process was initiated.
The difficulty is not in the quality of the players involved, but in the basic problems. Rajasthan Royals cannot take any more foreign players as their quota is already full (they have eight overseas players) and the amount left in their player purse is only about INR 30 lakh, while Curran’s value at the auction is said to be around INR 2.4 crore. These two constraints – one being the limitation of foreign slots and the other being the purse money – are causing the delay.
Another issue: Rajasthan Royals not only want a direct swap of Samson for Jadeja but also an influx of more players for the trade. At one point RR wanted another CSK player (like Matheesha Pathirana) besides Jadeja, which was turned down by CSK. So, because of these issues, the deal is not yet confirmed but is still “on the road”. It is reported that it could still be done in the next 48 hours but only if the basic problems are solved.
According to Cribuzz’s announcement, one evident method for RR to escape is to let go of a foreign player whose salary is above INR 2.4 crore. There are whispers in the air that the team is looking to part ways with their two Sri Lankan spinners – Wanindu Hasaranga (INR 5.25 cr) and Maheesh Theekshana (INR 4.40 cr), which will not only help in getting rid of the overseas players but also provide the cash flow to make the tripartite swap happen.
Yet, the signing of these controversial moves is anticipated to take place only after the November 15 retention deadline, when all teams make public their players’ lists that are either retained or released. The transaction would still be facilitated once that trade window opens, unless the Royals decide to wrap up their retentions slightly earlier.
What this means for both franchises: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were thought to be very keen on bringing in Samson and were ready to give up Jadeja + Curran. However, Rajasthan Royals (RR) will have to re-align their overseas player count and contract commitments before the deal can be closed. Till then, Jadeja is still with CSK for the time being.
Also read: IPL 2026: Who Will Chennai Super Kings Retain Ahead of Upcoming Mini-Auction?
To sum it up: an enormous exchange with top players was almost completed but some unclear terms are causing the delay. If the matters of overseas slots and purse space are resolved, the swap might still take place. But for now it is still pending, awaiting final clearances and structural adjustments by the franchises.
Both franchises are eagerly waiting for each other’s final decision as the IPL retention deadline is coming closer and closer. Each team is required to present its list of kept and let-go players by November 15, so CSK and RR have merely three days remaining to make the arrangement. In case the exchange does not take place before the expiration date, both squads will have to keep their present players marked as retained, and the trade may be taken to the auction stage. The next few days thus become extremely critical, as the result could not only determine the fates of Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja, but also affect the composition of both sides for the IPL 2026.
Written By:- Manjunath S