With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction fast approaching, trade speculations are heating up.
One of the most talked-about rumours related to the Rajasthan Royals' skipper Sanju Samson's move before the IPL mini auction. The Chennai Super Kings are one of the potential suitors eyeing to land the wicketkeeper if he is available for trade.
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With uncertainty over MS Dhoni's IPL career, CSK is preparing for a post-Dhoni era and Sanju Samson, with his calm leadership, star power, and flamboyant batting, appears to be a perfect replacement.
The Sporting News takes a look at three bold trade scenarios, which could allow CSK to land Samson ahead of the IPL 2026.
Scenario 1: Ruturaj Gaikwad for Sanju Samson - Captains swapped
CSK can work on a direct swap between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Samson. Both players are currently leading their respective franchises and have the same salary of 18 Cr. Both Samson and Gaikwad bat in the top order and would be perfect like-for-like replacements.
More: IPL 2026 rumours: Latest news on player trades and deals as Sanju Samson
However, this scenario looks a bit unlikely since both CSK's head coach Stephen Fleming and senior member MS Dhoni have backed Gaikwad's leadership. Dhoni has mentioned on several occasions about the return of Gaikwad for CSK's next season.
Scenario 2: Shivam Dube + Shreyas Gopal for Sanju Samson
Another potential trade option for the Chennai Super Kings is to bring in Samson in exchange for batter Shivam Dube and all-rounder Shreyas Gopal. Both players have been part of the Rajasthan setup for a few seasons.
Shivam Dube can strengthen the Royals' middle order, one area where the side lacked in the previous season. Gopal can add an Indian spinning option.
Rajasthan just had a solitary Indian spinner last season, with Kumar Kartikeya accompanying the two Sri Lankans, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.
CSK retained Dube for 12 Cr last season while and bought Gopal for 30 Lakhs. Signing the duo in exchange for Samson will increase RR's purse by 5.7 Cr.
Scenario 3: Dewald Brevis in exchange for Sanju Samson
CSK can also bring in Samson by exchanging the young South African batter Dewald Brevis. Brevis was a late inclusion to the CSK setup last year as he was called in as a replacement player for Gurjapaneet Singh.
The batter stamped his authority in whatever chances he got, playing for the Chennai side, and proved to be a dominant force in the middle order. He scored 225 runs in 6 innings at a staggering strike rate of 180.
The South African batter could be a good option for RR, helping boost power-hitting in their middle-order while offering a part-time spin option. Brevis was signed for 3 Cr by CSK, and trading him would increase RR's purse by 15 Cr, which could prove to be crucial in the upcoming mini-auction.
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