CSK, long in search of an Indian wicketkeeper-batter to anchor the post-Dhoni era, had pursued Samson for the past three seasons. To complete the acquisition, the franchise released Jadejavalued at ₹18 crore and Curran, worth ₹2.4 crore. Several insiders have termed the exchange a “windfall” for Rajasthan, noting Jadeja’s stature as CSK’s biggest face after MS Dhoni and his decisive role in the 2023 championship win.
Despite remaining a key all-round asset, Jadeja’s shift comes at a time when Chepauk’s conditions have grown less spin-friendly. RR, already equipped with young Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad, were looking to restructure their squad after internal concerns around Samson’s role.
Samson, meanwhile, had grown increasingly dissatisfied at RR following the release of senior players Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin. His reluctance to open or captain next season, coupled with Riyan Parag leading during his injury spell, deepened the rift. At CSK, the India T20I opener is expected to take on a long-term leadership role, despite modest numbers at Chepauk just 59 runs in five innings since 2015.
The trade window has also seen several other confirmed moves. Nitish Rana has shifted from Rajasthan to Delhi Capitals for ₹4.2 crore, Donovan Ferreira has moved to RR for ₹1 crore, and Mayank Markande has joined Mumbai Indians from KKR for ₹30 lakh. Mohammed Shami is set to return to Lucknow Super Giants, while speculation continues around high-value players including Rashid Khan, Mitchell Starc and Deepak Chahar, who may be released before the auction as teams reassess form, fitness and budget dynamics.
