IPL stunner? Samson to CSK, Ashwin back to RR in mega trade

Dubai: The Indian Premier League’s trade window could be on the verge of its biggest shake-up in years. Reports suggest Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson may be headed to Chennai Super Kings in a high-profile swap involving veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

The move, if it happens, would end Samson’s 11-year association with Rajasthan Royals, a period that began when a teenage Samson impressed Rahul Dravid at a training camp in 2013. Since then, he has become the franchise’s heartbeat, scoring 4,027 runs in 149 matches at an average of 31.70 and a strike-rate of 141.24. He is also Rajasthan’s most successful captain, with 33 wins since taking over the reins.

Social media speculation over his exit intensified after Samson, when quizzed by Ashwin recently during the all-rounder’s podcast Kutti Stories (Short Stories), laughed off the question without a denial. RR’s official X account then posted a card quoting Samson’s remarks about how much the franchise meant to him, signing off with a heart emoji — a gesture many interpreted as a farewell hint.

The potential deal is believed to involve Ashwin returning to Rajasthan from CSK, where he has been part of their campaigns from 2022-24. But reports indicate the Royals are seeking more than a straight swap, asking for two players in exchange for their skipper. Former Indian opener Robin Uthappa, who has represented both franchises, has suggested the Royals could push for an all-round finisher, naming Sam Curran or Vijay Shankar alongside Ashwin as possible inclusions in the trade package.

“What they don’t have is a genuine finisher at six or seven — they only have Shimron Hetmyer. Maybe Sam Curran. Vijay Shankar could be the one who goes with Ashwin as well,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.

For Rajasthan, losing Samson would mean parting with a player who brought them close to the IPL title in 2022, when they finished runners-up to Gujarat Titans. Last year, he enjoyed his best season, scoring 531 runs at 48.27. Samson himself has acknowledged the role the Royals and owner Manoj Badale played in shaping his career, saying he will always remain grateful to Dravid and the franchise.

The IPL 2026 auction is still months away, but if this trade goes through, it could alter the balance of two powerhouse teams. For now, the cricket world waits — and speculates — on whether the biggest off-season transfer in IPL history is about to unfold.