Rajasthan Royals (RR) made a major move ahead of IPL 2026 by trading their captain, Sanju Samson, to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in exchange for all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The news left RR fans emotional, as they bid farewell to their beloved “Chettan.” Samson will join CSK at his existing league fee of ₹18 crore.

With 177 IPL matches to his name, he stands as one of the most seasoned players in the tournament. This will be only his third franchise stint, having spent most of his IPL career with RR, barring a brief period with Delhi Capitals in 2016 and 2017.

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Since making his IPL debut in 2013, Sanju Samson has been a cornerstone of the RR setup. He took over the captaincy in 2021 and evolved into one of the league’s most consistent performers, amassing over 4000 runs, including three centuries. His leadership debut was marked by a sensational 63-ball 119 against Punjab Kings.

You walked in as a young boy in Blue. Today, we bid goodbye to a Captain, Leader, our Chetta.

Thank you for everything, Sanju Samson 💗 pic.twitter.com/TC7MHeT6e9

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 15, 2025

Sanju Samson’s batting matured further in 2022, where he scored over 400 runs and led RR to their first IPL final since their 2008 triumph. His most prolific season came in 2024, where he amassed 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47, solidifying his reputation among the top T20 batters.

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Sanju Samson’s departure marks the end of an era in Jaipur while opening a new chapter in Chennai’s storied franchise.

Thank you for all the wondeRRful memoRRies Chettaaa 🥹🩷💪🏻🫶🏻

— ABDUL RAZACK (@RazackAbdullah) November 15, 2025

The first time I noticed him was when he hit those 9 sixes.When he joined RR,I started following every single match because I loved his batting.He is an exceptionally talented batsman,and his extracover shot is simply gorgeous. Thank you, Sanju, for everything you’ve done for RR.

— Raushan Prasad (@RaushanPrasad07) November 15, 2025

Thank you Rajasthan Royals for continuous support and love for him over the years. We will miss you

— Dhikhil C D (@dhikhil) November 15, 2025

This is the most heartbreaking day as Royal fan…Past 10 days all the talk around trade….just wanted all it is fake and rumors, but today when it is official this…this hurts the most. Rajasthan You messed up big time…!!! You let go the face of RR…You let go our soul pic.twitter.com/xVFQElyR7i

— Devanshu Maheshwari (@beingdevanshu19) November 15, 2025

Samson was the only reason I supported RR. Now that he’s gone, my journey with RR ends too. I am no more a RR fan .

— Mohit Tewary (@MohitTewary2) November 15, 2025

We will Sanju Samson in RR. pic.twitter.com/z3Tq5JP9kT

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) November 15, 2025