Ravindra Jadeja likely to become Rajasthan Royals captain if Sanju Samson trade deal with CSK goes through
Ravindra Jadeja has reportedly asked Rajasthan Royals for captaincy as part of the trade deal which will see him join the franchise from CSK in exchange for Sanju Samson.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is likely to replace Sanju Samson as Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain if the trade deal involving the duo goes through successfully between the two teams. CSK and RR are close to finalising the deal, which will see Samson join the Men in Yellow in exchange for Jadeja and England all-rounder Sam Curran.
The rumours and reports about the mega trade deal, which is arguably one of the biggest in IPL history, have already created significant buzz on social media. There have been mixed reactions from CSK fans over Jadeja, who is one of the stalwarts of the franchise, leaving the team. However, multiple reports have claimed CSK consulted the star Indian all-rounder before advancing talks with RR.
As per a report in News18, Jadeja is likely to become the captain of the Rajasthan Royals if he joins the franchise as part of the trade deal for Samson with CSK. The all-rounder has asked RR management for captaincy as part of the trade deal.
As per the report, Jadeja wants to have the leadership responsibility in what are likely to be his final few years in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Meanwhile, RR have multiple contenders within the squad for captaincy, including Riyan Parag, Yashavsvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel. However, they will prefer a new and experienced player like Jadeja to maintain internal stability in the squad.
Sanju Samson will not lead CSK in IPL 2026
As per the report, Chennai Super Kings have no plans to hand over captaincy to Samson after the trade deal is completed. The franchise views the Indian wicket-keeper batter as a long-term replacement for the legendary MS Dhoni, who is in the final lap of his career.
Dhoni led CSK in the second phase of IPL 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad picked up an injury midway through last season. CSK are likely to back Gaikwad in the captaincy role and do not plan to take the job away from him despite bringing Samson. Earlier, former CSK spinner R Ashwin had also stated that CSK will not immediately hand over captaincy to Samson if they manage to land him before IPL 2026.
Samson, who is leading the Rajasthan Royals from IPL 2021, has captained the franchise in 67 matches, managing 33 wins and 32 losses with one game ending in a tie and another in a no result. Gaikwad, on the other hand, has led CSK in a total of 19 matches and has managed only 8 wins so far.