Chennai Super Kings (CSK) off-spinner R Ashwin said that the franchise must send a player or a few players worth a sum of ₹18 crores to acquire Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson via trade as well. His comments came after reports last week suggested that Samson requested RR to trade or release him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction as well.

“CSK fans are were passionate and hopeful about landing Sanju Samson via trade. Yet, they must remember they have to send a player or players adding up to 18 crores. You can’t just say ‘I’ll clear space for 18 crores by leaving a player/players to the auction’. Either they can send a player worth 18 crores to RR or involve a third team and send the 18 crore worth player to them,” he said on his YouTube channel.

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“The other reason why the trade will likely not go through is CSK don’t believe in trading players. They won’t give Dube or Jadeja. Also, RR doesn’t have a major gain in this trade from a cricketing point of view. But the chances of Sanju coming to the auction are minimal as RR will be the lone loser in that case. There is also a heavy chance of Sanju staying with RR,” he shared again.

However, R Ashwin also believes RR can still build a solid side for the IPL 2026 even if they release Sanju Samson into the auction as well. Notably, they finished second to bottom on the points table in IPL 2025, winning only four out of 14 games as well.

“RR are not short on skill in their side even without Sanju. Yes, losing him will be a big hit. But their team is still good and if they correct their bowling with that money, the team will be set,” R Ashwin concluded.