Ravichandran Ashwin says everyone knows that Sanju Samson wants to leave Rajasthan Royals ahead IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin said everyone is aware that Sanju Samson wants to part ways with the Rajasthan Royals before the IPL 2026 auction. Earlier, it was reported that Samson could move to the Delhi Capitals in exchange for Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi.

Now, as per reports in ESPN Cricinfo, Sanju Samson is all set to be traded to Chennai Super Kings in place of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Samson has performed consistently in the IPL over the years but missed the previous season due to injury concerns. In his place, Riyan Parag led the Rajasthan Royals in the majority of the matches.

“Everyone knows that Sanju Samson wants to leave Rajasthan. Other franchises will be interested for his skill and talent and also that it weakens the other side. From my view, Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi for Samson in Delhi was very close to completion but it did not happen. It made sense for Delhi and the wicket was good for batting there so it was best for Samson. If you score more in the IPL you are in the limelight. This trade would be have made more sense for Sanju. It was a good deal for RR as well as they had troubles in finishing,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.

Ashwin said the scenario has changed for the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the auction.

“Now things have changed for RR. In these many years, CSK and MI have never let go of players in return for a trade. So CSK would only tell that we will do a cash deal. But you cannot replace a high marquee player, a captain, and an opener like Sanju at the auction,” he added.

The former CSK off-spinner said getting Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja in place of Sanju Samson is a fantastic deal for the Rajasthan Royals.

“We can only say for whom this trade will be better after the IPL 2026 season and not before that. Jadeja won one title for CSK with his batting in the last three years. Maybe he is not striking at 190-200 but he is still one of the best finishers going around. He is doing a fine job,” he said.

“Keeping this is mind that he has a better strike-rate and average against fast bowlers than spinners, that trade is going to be amazing news for RR. Jadeja gives the finishing skill and Jaipur is a venue that will suit him as the ball does not spin much. Now their young batters at the top can express themselves more because Jadeja will take care of the finishing. If Sam Curran goes with him, he floats, and gives them that bowling option, it is a phenomenal deal for RR,” he added.

The IPL franchises will release the list of their retained players before November 15, which is the deadline date. IPL 2026 mini-auction is likely to be scheduled on December 15.