Sanju Samson secures blockbuster move to CSK as IPL sees one of its biggest trades

Dubai: The IPL has witnessed one of its most dramatic trade windows yet. In a move that surprised fans across the country, Sanju Samson — the long-time face of Rajasthan Royals — is leaving the franchise to join Chennai Super Kings. The Royals, in turn, have secured two big names: CSK legend Ravindra Jadeja and English all-rounder Sam Curran.

Samson will join CSK at his existing fee of ₹18 crore, while Jadeja’s price has been revised to ₹14 crore. Curran moves to Rajasthan at ₹2.4 crore. The league confirmed the swap in an official statement.

Shami heads to Lucknow

It wasn’t the only headline trade of the day. Senior India pacer Mohammed Shami is set to play for Lucknow Super Giants after shifting from Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH had signed him for ₹10 crore before the 2025 season, and he will join LSG at the same value.

Shami brings experience that few bowlers can match. Since 2013, he has played 119 IPL matches and has turned out for five teams. His peak came in 2023 with Gujarat Titans, when he won the Purple Cap with 28 wickets in 17 matches. Though an injury ruled him out of 2024, he ended the previous season with 20 wickets and played a crucial role in GT’s title win.

A decade of Royals comes to an end

Samson’s departure marks the end of an era for Rajasthan Royals. He joined the side back in 2013 as a teenager and grew into one of their most reliable performers. After RR’s two-year suspension, he returned in 2018 and was promoted to captain in 2021. Under him, the team reached the 2022 final — their first since their historic 2008 win.

He led the side in 67 matches, with an even split of 33 wins and 33 losses. His best personal season came in 2024, when he scored 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of over 153. RR retained him for ₹18 crore for the 2025 season, but a side injury midway through the tournament ruled him out. Without him, the team’s form crashed and they slipped to ninth place.

Samson leaves as RR’s all-time top scorer across the IPL and Champions League T20, with 4,219 runs in 155 matches.

Jadeja returns to where it all began

For Ravindra Jadeja, the trade is a homecoming of sorts. He started his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and was part of their maiden title run. His legacy, however, was built at CSK, where he played from 2012 to 2025 and became one of the franchise’s most important players.

Jadeja leaves CSK as their leading wicket-taker in the IPL with 143 scalps. He also scored 2,198 runs for them and played key roles in their title wins in 2018, 2021, and 2023. With 254 IPL appearances, he is among the most experienced players in league history.

Curran brings finishing firepower to RR

Sam Curran’s move adds more depth to RR’s squad. The 27-year-old has represented Punjab Kings and CSK in the past, and now joins his third IPL team. He has 997 runs and 59 wickets in 64 matches — valuable numbers for a utility all-rounder. Last season, he scored a brilliant 88 for CSK.

With these high-profile moves, the IPL has set the tone for a blockbuster 2025 season, with CSK, RR, and LSG reshaping their squads as they chase fresh success.