Ravichandran Ashwin dismisses chances of Sanju Samson joining CSK, calls trade ‘bleak’

Speculation over Sanju Samson’s possible move from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings has been a hot topic among IPL fans, but Ravichandran Ashwin has firmly dismissed the likelihood of such a trade. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the veteran off-spinner called the possibility “bleak,” explaining that from a franchise perspective, it simply does not make sense for Rajasthan Royals to part with their captain unless they receive players of equal impact in return. 

Ashwin stressed that in any trade, especially involving a marquee player, the outgoing team must get something significant to balance the equation, and at present, he sees no such opportunity for RR.

Reports in recent weeks suggested that CSK had explored ways to bring Samson into their setup, possibly in exchange for one or two high-profile players. However, negotiations reportedly stalled when RR were said to have asked for stars like Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube or Ruturaj Gaikwad as part of the deal. 

Given CSK’s well-known reluctance to part with their core players, Ashwin believes this alone makes the move highly improbable. He also pointed out that CSK’s approach to team building rarely involves blockbuster trades, especially ones that could disrupt the squad’s established balance.

Also read: Leaving this player was the biggest reason Sanju Samson wanted to leave RR 

Adding to the complications are purse constraints ahead of the 2026 mega auction. Both teams are believed to be evaluating their budgets carefully, with CSK reportedly considering releasing certain senior players to create room for fresh acquisitions. In such a climate, committing a large portion of the budget to a single player like Samson could be a challenging decision, particularly if it requires letting go of a key member of the current core.

Some observers feel Samson might be tempted to consider a move away from RR due to the rise of young talents within the team, with emerging players potentially reshaping the batting order in the coming seasons. However, Ashwin downplayed this theory, suggesting that much of the current speculation is driven more by fan hopes and media chatter than by actual franchise negotiations.

As things stand, the chances of Samson wearing the yellow jersey next season appear slim. Ashwin’s comments have added weight to the belief that unless an extraordinary and mutually beneficial offer is placed on the table, Rajasthan Royals are unlikely to let their skipper go, and CSK are equally unlikely to part with their key assets.