Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin commented on Sanju Samson’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) trade ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Should Samson move to CSK, he added that he would not be made captain right away. However, CSK and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in talks for a trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran, according to an ESPN Cricinfo report.

“I dont think Sanju will get captaincy at CSK because it would be his first year and I am not sure they will give him captaincy right away. But he will definitely be an option to lead in the future if the trade happens,” he said on ‘Ash ki Baat’. “CSK also benefit by plugging that gap in the top order. Ayush and Sanju can open, Ruturaj can come at three, which is what he has been wanting to do. That gives them balance. But the loss would be that from where will they bring another spinner? Who is going to be that spinner who they will bank upon to bowl the middle overs? Who is that gun marquee fielder for them? Finishing is the issue,” he added.

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However, Ravichandran Ashwin also shared that letting go of Ravindra Jadeja for Sanju Samson would be a big decision for CSK as well. He also stated that Jadeja has been an important player for the franchise.

“One thing in the fans’ minds will be Jadeja’s affinity for CSK. Jadeja is no small player for CSK. There is some emotion attached to Jadeja and CSK. And trading is not something they have done in the past. This could also be a good opportunity for Jadeja. RR is a team built on a lot of youngsters and a lot of connections. It is a big decision for CSK to leave Jadeja out,” Ravichandran Ashwin concluded.