The Trade That Didn’t Happen
Sometimes in cricket, trades sound exciting on paper — but in reality, they’re never going to happen. That’s exactly the case with the recent talk of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) swapping players to bring in Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson.
According to reports, the Rajasthan Royals were open to a deal that would send Samson to CSK in exchange for one of three big names: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube. Sounds bold, right? Well, CSK’s answer was simple — a firm no.
Why CSK Said “No Thanks”
The reason isn’t complicated. CSK is known for backing their core group, and trading away players like Gaikwad or Jadeja isn’t just unlikely — it’s almost unthinkable. These players are part of the team’s identity, and the management rarely lets go of its key match-winners.
Samson’s Value in the IPL
Sanju Samson isn’t just any player, though. In IPL 2024, he scored 531 runs at a strike rate of 153, leading Rajasthan Royals from the front and showing why his name is always in high demand. Still, breaking up CSK’s winning combination for a trade doesn’t fit the way the franchise operates.
Ashwin’s Take on the Rumours
Ravichandran Ashwin, who has played for both franchises, shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel. He called Samson’s chances of joining CSK “bleak” — in other words, very slim.
Ashwin explained that it’s not easy for a team like RR to get players of equal value from CSK because the franchise doesn’t easily part with its top names. That makes this kind of trade more of a talking point than a genuine possibility.
Final Word
For now, Samson stays with the Royals, and CSK stays loyal to their core — in a league full of trades, sometimes loyalty is the bigger statement.
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