Will Sanju Samson Become the New CSK Captain After Ruturaj Gaikwad?

IPL franchises Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in reports for the most sought-after IPL ahead of the auction and beginning of the new season. Both are in advanced talks over a high-profile trade that could see CSK all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja move to RR, while Sanju Samson could be seen in the Yellow jersey.

Alongside these developments, England all-rounder Sam Curran is also expected to be part of the proposed swap, as per multiple reports. As per the latest development, the franchises have initiated the Expression of Interest process under IPL trade rules, and consent has been obtained from all three players.

The formal process requires BCCI approval and, because Sam Curran is an overseas player, an NOC from the England and Wales cricket board. The trade window carries a 48-hour formalization period, and the IPL retention deadline is on November 15, 2025. Although, as of now, no official confirmation about Sanju Samson's new CSK Captain has been put up by the franchises.

Is Sanju Samson CSK Trade Successful?

If the ongoing trade rumors are true and the trade goes through, Jadeja leaving CSK would be a major change for the five-time champions. Jadeja has been a core member of the team for more than a decade and has helped them become one of the best teams in IPL history. His performance in recent seasons included 301 runs in IPL 2025 and regular contributions with his left-arm spin and boundary-saving fielding.

CSK have used Jadeja as a reliable finisher in pressure-filled top-order collapse situations. Losing him now would create both a tactical and leadership gap. On the other hand, Sanju Samson would bring batting depth and wicketkeeping options to CSK. Samson led Rajasthan Royals to the final in 2022 and has captained the team between 2021 and 2025. He has been a consistent top-order batter, including a 500-plus run season in 2024 and is also one of the best wicketkeepers in IPL. In the 2025 IPL campaign, CSK had a poor run under Ruturaj Gaikwad's leadership and injuries.

Reports also suggest that Sanju Samson CSK captaincy can be a way to strengthen their top order and add options behind the stumps as they manage MS Dhoni’s workload. Samson’s leadership experience is a factor, although former India spinner R Ashwin has said Samson would not be expected to take captaincy immediately if he joins CSK. The current plan is for Ruturaj to continue as captain, and no new CSK captain will be announced soon.

Ravindra Jadeja Instagram Deactivated

Social media moves online have added more to the ongoing trade speculations, as Jadeja has deactivated his Instagram account amid the reports, and Matheesha Pathirana also deactivated his account as well after his name surfaced in early trade talk. Jadeja’s social move has signalled a split between Jadeja and CSK, although no official update on Sanju Samson as the new CSK captain and Ravindra Jadeja CSK farewell has been confirmed.

Both Samson and Jadeja are high-profile players and highly experienced as well. Adding to it, both of them have been signed for INR 18 crores by their respective teams. As a result, Ravindra Jadeja trade rumors are also expected to be true.