Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has added that Ravichandran Ashwin and Sanju Samson might swap franchises before the IPL 2026. He further stated that Ashwin could lead the Rajasthan Royals (RR) next season if that trade happens.

While talking about this in a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra,’ he said, “Ash has said that he doesn’t want to play for CSK, that he is not available. He might be allowed to leave as well. However, Sanju is going from there, and Ravichandran Ashwin anna is going from here. So will it be a straight swap? RR’s captain might come to CSK, although he might not become the captain as Ruturaj Gaikwad might remain the captain, but Ashwin goes to Rajasthan and becomes their captain because they need a captain.”

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“I was thinking who could become Rajasthan’s captain if Sanju leaves. Dhruv Jurel, not ready and very, very young. Yashasvi Jaiswal, of course, has captaincy aspirations, but I don’t think they will invest in him now. Riyan Parag was okay, okay last season. So it may just work out beautifully.” Chopra shared again.

However, Aakash Chopra also shared that while Sanju Samson would resolve CSK’s future wicketkeeping issues, Ravichandran Ashwin would lead RR’s spin-bowling and captaincy concerns as well.

“Sanju in yellow, so the keeping future is ready. Then MS Dhoni can do whatever he feels like. RR need an off-spinner as well because (Wanindu) Hasaranga and (Maheesh) Theekshana haven’t done the job that much. So they would get that and a captain, and everything looks alright. I feel that can happen,” Aakash Chopra concluded.