Explained! Why Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja IPL trade deal between RR and CSK has stalled
The trade deal between CSK and Rajasthan Royals involving Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja is being delayed due to multiple reasons. Will the trade deal go through, or will it be cancelled at the last minute?
The mega trade deal between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), involving Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja, has reportedly hit a roadblock due to several reasons. CSK and RR have agreed a player trade which will see Samson join the Men in Yellow in exchange for Jadeja and England all-rounder Sam Curran.
Both CSK and RR have already initiated Expression of Interest (EoI) for the trade ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. However, BCCI has not received a formal request for approval of the deal. The trade deal between the two franchises is being delayed due to a couple of reasons.
As per a report in Cricbuzz, the trade deal has stalled as Rajasthan Royals do not have an overseas slot available in their squad to accommodate Curran. A franchise can have a maximum of eighth overseas players in their side and RR's foreign quota is already full.
The eight overseas players in their current squad are - Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Shimron Hetmyer, Nandre Burger, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Kwena Maphaka. Rajasthan Royals will have to release one or more overseas players from their existing squad to make space for Curran.
Another issue which adds to the complexity of the trade deal is the fact that RR don't have enough balance remaining in their current purse. RR only have Rs 30 lakh in their purse, while Curran's auction value is Rs 2.4 crore. RR need to release overseas players worth at least Rs 2.4 crore to complete a trade deal for Curran.
The trade involving Jadeja and Samson is a straightforward one as both players are worth Rs 18 crore each and both are Indians. They will take each other's place in their respective squads.
How can CSK and RR resolve the issues?
The trade deal for Samson and Jadeja between CSK and RR might have hit a roadblock, however, it can get back on track quickly. Rajasthan Royals need to release an overseas player or a couple of them to free up at least Rs 2.4 crore in their remaining purse which will help them accommodate Curran for Rs 2.4 crore.
As per Cricbuzz, Rajasthan Royals are considering releasing the two Sri Lankan spinners in their current squad - Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. RR roped in Hasaranga for Rs 5.25 crore, while Theekshana was bought for Rs 4.40 crore in the mega auction last year. Releasing the two players will add Rs 9.65 crore to their overall purse and allow them to get Curran.
Can the Samson-Jadeja trade deal get cancelled?
There are chances of the trade deal getting called off at the last minute if one of three players involved have a change of heart. It is also possible that one of the two franchises involved pull the plug. However, the chances of the trade deal getting cancelled are less as it has been all but agreed among all parties involved.
"Possible but unlikely," a source close to the proceedings, was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. "I cannot guarantee it will not be stalled. But having come this far, the likelihood of one of them backing out is less," he added.