Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has said he is not sure whether Sanju Samson would lead Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 even if the much-discussed transfer involving the five-time champions and Rajasthan Royals goes through. Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are speculated to be close to finalizing a swap deal involving Ravindra Jadeja and Samson before the IPL retention deadline of November 15.
according to reports Chennai Super Kings are willing to release Ravindra Jadeja — one of their most famous characters — along with another player to secure Samson from the Royals.
Samson captained Rajasthan Royals for 67 matches in four seasons between 2021 and 2025. However, reports suggest that the wicketkeeper-spinner was interested in leaving the franchise to join the Super Kings.
“I don’t think Sanju Samson will get the captaincy because this is his first season. And to give someone the captaincy in his first year in the franchise, I’m not sure about that. Ruturaj will continue. But Samson will definitely be an option in the future if the deal is done,” Ashwin said on his YouTube show on Monday, November 10.
Jadeja, meanwhile, has been an integral part of the Super Kings set-up, playing 186 matches between 2012 and 2025 – second most for the franchise after MS Dhoni’s 248 IPL appearances.
Ashwin said Jadeja’s arrival, if materialised, would be a big boost for Rajasthan Royals, who were looking for a finisher to ease the burden on Shimron Hetmyer.
He added that young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag will be able to express themselves more freely, knowing that there are two reliable finishers in the XI.
“He’s still one of the best finishers in the world with the bat. He’s not hitting 190 but he’s still hitting more than 150 in the death overs against fast bowlers and a bit less against spin because we know his role isn’t to take on the spinners in the middle overs. He’s doing a good job as a finisher after sixteen and he’s a bit quicker against 50. He’s quicker against 50.” Ashwin said.
“Keep in mind that this trade will be amazing news for Rajasthan Royals. Jadeja gives the same finishing ability (as Tristan Stubbs). Jaipur pitch will also suit him. There won’t be much swing, there won’t be mushroom bounce and the ball doesn’t spin much in Jaipur. That’s perfect.
“Rajasthan have Suryavanshi, Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag. They are expected to score runs and finish the matches as well. But we have to understand that they are young and like to express themselves. They will take bowlers. But you need experience to finish.”
“She depended a lot on Shimron Hetmyer. Over the last five years, they have been trying to get Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel to finish. Now these four youngsters can go out and express themselves because Jadeja and Hetmyer will take care of the finishing,” he added.
CENTRAL PROBLEMS WHEN JADEJA LEAVES?
While Ashwin admitted that Samson’s arrival would be a massive boost to the Super Kings’ top order, Jadeja’s departure would leave a significant void given how much the five-time champions relied on spinners in the middle overs.
Ashwin and Jadeja were both part of the Super Kings setup in IPL 2025 but the former left the tournament early after announcing his retirement from international cricket.
Ashwin also highlighted the defensive void Jadeja would leave, especially in the field where he has built a reputation for pressure catches and clipping boundaries in the deep.
“CSK will also benefit from filling the top-order gap. Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre can open. Ruturaj Gaikwad can bat at No.3, which was what he wanted to do. That will continue and that gives them balance,” he said.
“But the problem will come with the spinner. Yes, they have Noor Ahmad, but who is the spinner they are going to rely on in the middle overs? Who is the fielder who will line up at deep mid-wicket, save those two, day in and day out in the end overs, take those high-pressure catches and finish those innings along with some others?”
“Finishing is an issue. Will Cameron Green or someone be able to come in and finish? Will CSK look at Ben Stokes?”
According to The Indian Express, CSK have also held talks with Gujarat Titans regarding Washington Sundar, who could be a similar replacement for Jadeja.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
November 10, 2025
