NEW DELHI: The Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja swap between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 retention became a major talking point until the deal was finally sealed.

CSK stalwart Jadeja has officially moved to Rajasthan Royals – but at a significantly reduced price – while Samson, after leading RR for four seasons, will slip into the iconic yellow of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026.

According to an IPL media advisory issued on Sunday, Jadeja’s contract value has been revised from Rs 18 crore to Rs 14 crore, whereas Samson will join CSK at his existing fee of Rs 18 crore.

After the trade was confirmed, Samson took to social media to thank Rajasthan Royals, emphasizing that he had given his all to the franchise throughout his time with RR.

“We are only here for a short period of time. Gave MY everything to this franchise, enjoyed some great cricket, made some lifetime relations, treated everyone in the franchise as my family..And when its time..I AM moving On..Shall always be grateful for everything @rajasthanroyals,” Samson wrote on his social media.

One of the most experienced players in the league, Samson has played 177 IPL matches. CSK will be only the third franchise of his career. Since making his IPL debut in 2013, the senior pro has represented RR in all but two seasons – 2016 and 2017 – when he played for Delhi Capitals.

As skipper, Samson guided Rajasthan Royals in 67 matches, finishing with a balanced record of 33 wins and 33 losses. His best season came in 2024, when he amassed 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47, hammering five half-centuries.

Though RR retained him for Rs 18 crore ahead of the 2025 season, a side strain sidelined him for nearly half the campaign. Without their captain’s presence and form, RR’s season unraveled, and they eventually slipped to ninth place in the ten-team table.