Sanju Samson could be on his way to join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before IPL 2026. A report has claimed that CSK would look to sign the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain if he is available. Social media has been flooded with rumours of Samson moving from RR to CSK of late. It could turn out to be true if both parties agree to a deal. RR would want some of the best players from CSK if they decide to give them Samson. Here, we have a look at 3 players CSK can trade to RR if they sign Sanju Samson -

Ruturaj Gaikwad could be the top-most player RR might ask for if they trade Samson to CSK. Ruturaj leads CSK and opens the innings for the Yellow Army. He doesn't keep wickets but is a vital member of the team combination. CSK retained Ruturaj for Rs 18 crore before the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

Ruturaj is CSK's homegrown player and it would be a surprise if they decide to trade him. But CSK need a solid Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to replace MS Dhoni in the long run and they would want someone like Samson in their lineup.

RR were keen to sign R Ashwin in the mega-auction and they gave a tough competition to CSK. The Yellow Army made the wiNning bid for the senior spinner and bought him for Rs 9.75 crore.

RR would get Ashwin and more than 8 crore in return from CSK if they decide to sign one player from the Yellow Army. Of course, the amount can change depending on Samson's signing amount. Ashwin was part of RR from IPL 2022 to 2024.

Rachin Ravindra has been part of CSK for two seasons now but he hasn't been able to live up to the promise. He has been dropped from the playing XI in both seasons and might not be a regular in the final XI again.

CSK could trade Rachin to RR along with any other player if they want to bring in Samson. Rachin managed to score 191 runs in 8 matches in IPL 2025.