This is being called one of the most high-profile ‘trades’ in IPL history.
After days of constant buzz and speculation, the much-talked-about switch has finally been made official. Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move to Rajasthan Royals, while Chennai Super Kings secure the services of Sanju Samson.
The IPL is currently in its ‘trade window,’ a period during which teams can exchange players with their consent and approval from the IPL authorities. Several trades have already been finalized, but the Samson-Jadeja swap has created the biggest stir, making it one of the most high-profile trades in IPL history.
Samson spent two seasons playing for Delhi, but for the other 11 seasons of his IPL career, he represented Rajasthan Royals. He captained the team and became a symbol of the franchise. Last season, Rajasthan had retained him for ₹18 crore.
However, during the previous IPL season, tensions reportedly arose between him and the team over certain issues. After the tournament, it became clear he wanted a change. Speculation about which team would sign one of the league’s most consistent performers ran rampant. In recent days, rumors suggested that Chennai would acquire him in exchange for Jadeja and Curran—and that is exactly what happened.
At Chennai, the 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter will earn ₹18 crore.
While Samson was Rajasthan’s stalwart, Jadeja had become a Chennai homegrown player, representing the franchise for 12 seasons. Yet Rajasthan also holds a special place in Jadeja’s career: it’s the team where his IPL journey began. Now, he returns to the franchise where it all started after starting his career elsewhere.
Chennai had retained Jadeja for ₹18 crore last season, but Rajasthan will now pay him ₹14 crore.
Curran, who was bought for ₹2.4 crore in the previous auction by Chennai, will earn the same salary at Rajasthan. The English all-rounder will also experience a new challenge, having played three seasons in Punjab and three in Chennai.
Another notable trade during the window involved Mohammad Shami. Bought for ₹10 crore by Sunrisers Hyderabad last season, he now moves to Lucknow Super Giants for the same price.
From Rajasthan Royals, former KKR captain Nitish Rana, who earned ₹2.4 crore, joins Delhi Capitals.
Shardul Thakur moves from Lucknow to Mumbai Indians for ₹2 crore, while MI also acquire Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans for ₹2.6 crore.
South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira moves from Delhi Capitals to Rajasthan Royals for ₹1 crore.
Arjun Tendulkar, previously earning ₹30 lakh, now joins Lucknow, seeking more playing opportunities despite his father Sachin Tendulkar being a key part of Mumbai’s management.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders’ leg-spinner Mayank Markande moves to Mumbai for ₹30 lakh.
