Copyright timesnownews
A wicketkeeper-batter with quality leadership abilities, it was no surprise that multiple franchises showed interest in acquiring Sanju Samson after the reports of his desire to part ways with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) came to light. Among all, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was the frontrunner to rope in Samson, who they were seeing as a replacement for MS Dhoni. However, the trade deal was put on the back burner after CSK and RR couldn't find a suitable agreement, and RR shifted focus to the Delhi Capitals (DC). According to a report in Times of India, RR and DC almost finalised a swap deal involving Samson and Tristan Stubbs; however, RR demanded an additional upcapped player, Samir Rizvi, which led to the collapse in the deal as the Capitals were not willing to let go of Rizvi, who they see as a player with immense potential. After the deal between DC and RR couldn't go ahead, the Royals again shifted the focus to CSK. According to a report in ESPNCricinfo on Sunday, RR and CSK are all but certain to close in on one of the most high-profile trade deals in IPL history, which could see Samson joining CSK in exchange for all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The CSK have given their sharpest administrator the responsibility of doing the tough talks with Jadeja. Names of Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis were also discussed by RR, but that suggestions were quickly put to rest by the CSK. If the deal goes ahead, it would mark Jadeja's return to RR after 16 years. The all-rounder played his first two seasons of IPL with the Royals. While CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan is hopeful that MS Dhoni will play IPL 2026, if Sanju Samson joins CSK, there could be a possibility that Dhoni might not feature in the XI in all games, or he may even decide to retire from the tournament. A clear picture on the deal should be out soon. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Sports, Cricket and around the world.
