Sanju Samson IPL 2026 Trade Update: CSK, KKR, and RR in Race for Star Wicketkeeper

Sanju Samson, along with Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is at the center of all IPL talk as the deadline for player retentions is approaching. November 15 is the last date for teams to decide which players they want to keep for IPL 2026.

Right now, there’s a lot of buzz about Sanju Samson’s move. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter has reportedly decided to leave Rajasthan Royals. The 2008 IPL champions, in turn, have made up their minds to part ways with their star player and are looking at other options.

Ever since Sanju expressed a desire to leave the Desires, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been in the headlines for acquiring the services of the Indian wicketkeeper-batter. Earlier, Rajasthan Royals asked for Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Ruturaj Gaikwad for the Samson trade. CSK initially said no, so the rumors stopped. But on Friday, reports came out that CSK has started talking to RR about Samson again.

×

Sanju Samson Wicketkeeper-Batter

Sanju Samson, a right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper, is a professional cricketer from India.

CSK starts talks again with RR, while KKR also wants Sanju Samson

This time, CSK might be willing to give up Shivam Dube to get Samson before the IPL 2026 auction in December. Earlier, Delhi Capitals was also interested in Samson, but they didn’t agree to the Royals’ demand of swapping Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were trying to sign Kerala star KL Rahul after Delhi Capitals (DC) refused an all-cash deal. KKR needed a captain and wicketkeeper, and Rahul was a perfect choice. They offered money only, but DC wanted some of their key players instead. So, the trade between KKR and DC for Rahul is now off.

The KKR-Sanju Samson trade deal is still happening

Given that, Samson is still a perfect fit for the three-time IPL champions. Amid the buzz, a Revsportz journalist, Rohit Juglan, revealed that the KKR is still very much interested in Samson after DC denied their offer for Rahul. He claimed that there is “still a possibility of a Sanju Samson-KKR deal.”

Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by IANS, “No, not likely, not likely. (on the Samson trade).”

The Chennai Super Kings have finally spoken about the rumors of trading Sanju Samson. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said a player swap isn’t happening. This adds a surprise twist to the trade talks. People close to the team say we might get more updates in the next few days.

×

BCCI and PCB Set to Resolve Issues as Asia Cup Trophy Likely to Return to India Soon The whole issue between the BCCI and PCB began when Mohsin Naqvi refused to hand over the Asia Cup trophy to Team India.

by K D Mishra November 8, 2025