Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes a possible trade deal between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) concerning Sanju Samson stands null and void and calls it ‘bleak’.
Rumour has it that Sanju is likely to leave RR ahead of the next IPL season and that CSK have shown interest in acquiring the wicketkeeper-batter. He was retained by RR ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction for Rs 18 crore.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Ashwin tried to explain the impossibility of this trade, because CSK are unlikely to offer their players in return. In that case, RR will have to look at possibilities of trade deals with other teams, like the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
“Why the CSK-RR trade won’t work is because if Sanju is traded to CSK, and RR then try to trade with other teams, they’re unlikely to get valuable players in return,” he said.
“For example, if RR want a spinner like Ravi Bishnoi and approach LSG, the problem is that if LSG acquire Sanju and give away Bishnoi, they also have to manage the remaining purse required to retain Sanju — which becomes LSG’s responsibility.
“CSK generally don’t believe in trading. They aren’t going to trade players like Ravindra Jadeja or Shivam Dube. So, in all likelihood, Sanju coming to CSK is bleak, for the reasons I’ve explained. RR don’t have much to gain from this kind of a trade”.
Samson made his debut with RR in 2013. For two seasons, he was acquired by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He led RR to their second IPL final in 2022. Last season, due to injuries, he was not available for several matches.
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