JADEJA SAMSON Trade: A Shot Beyond Sentiments

For the past few days, the hottest topic in the cricket world has been the pre–mini auction trades and right at the center of it all is Sanju Samson, a player the Indian cricket team has often treated with indifference.

Rajasthan, Chennai, and Sanju

When the news broke that a mini auction will be held before IPL 2026, the most talked-about rumor was none other than Sanju Samson’s possible team switch. Social media has been buzzing for weeks with reports that things aren’t smooth between Sanju and Rajasthan Royals and now it seems that story has reached its climax.

Sanju Viswanath Samson is leaving Rajasthan Royals!

After donning the pink jersey for 12 long years, the Malayali star is taking it off to join the most glamorous IPL team, Chennai Super Kings! And not just that he’s set to take over as the successor to the one and only MS Dhoni. Sanju’s move to Chennai is reportedly happening through a player trade!

Jaddu, the Finisher!

If you’ve been watching Chennai’s matches since 2022, what’s the most unforgettable or shocking moment for you? Ask any CSK fan, and they’ll instantly recall Dhoni’s roaring entry and finishing heroics at Chepauk or that magical last-ball boundary by Ravindra Jadeja in the 2023 IPL final against Gujarat that sealed the championship.

But among all the goosebump moments, one of the most surprising sights in the stands was a poster that read:

"Dear Jaddu, please get out on the first ball — we want to see Thala bat!"

Imagine fans asking their own player to get out! Yet it was the same Jadeja who led those very fans to victory. That’s Jaddu, the Finisher!

The Emotional No-Ball

From the moment rumors of a Rajasthan–Chennai trade began, Chennai fans have felt a strange fear. The same people who once said, “Get out, we want Dhoni,” are now posting emotional tributes saying, “We can’t let Jaddu go!” Reports suggest that while Jadeja himself isn’t too keen on leaving, Chennai and Rajasthan have almost finalized a blockbuster three-way trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran.

If confirmed, this would become one of the biggest trades in IPL history. For Sanju, a South Indian, this would be a homecoming of sorts, while for Jadeja, it’s a return to his roots after all, it was Rajasthan Royals who first picked the then U-19 star Jadeja in the inaugural IPL season, the same year they lifted the trophy.

Free Hit

The Sanju–Jadeja–Sam Curran trade clearly shows that both Rajasthan and Chennai are focused on building stronger futures. For Chennai, this move makes perfect sense throughout the years, they’ve had only one wicketkeeper: MS Dhoni. But Dhoni is no longer 20; at 44, his retirement could come anytime. In that light, Sanju Samson is the ideal successor a proven wicketkeeper, a top-order batsman, and a potential future captain.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan will benefit immensely from acquiring an all-rounder like Jadeja. Even if Sanju departs, their top and middle order packed with talents like Jaiswal, Parag, Rana, and Jurel remains solid. Finding a new captain won’t be too difficult either.

Whatever happens, one thing is certain all IPL teams are gearing up early to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.

May the teams be sharp and the matches thrilling!

Waiting for IPL 2026!

BTW, Welcome Chetta to Chennai! Jaddu Halla Bol!