IPL 2026 trade: Sanju Samson joins CSK, Ravindra Jadeja returns to RR with ₹4 crore pay cut

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a major and surprising trade ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has changed teams. After playing for Chennai for 12 seasons, Jadeja will now play for the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

As part of this trade, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has been included in the Chennai Super Kings team.

The most surprising aspect of this massive deal is the fees paid to both players. While Sanju Samson has not suffered any financial loss, Ravindra Jadeja has suffered a significant loss of ₹4 crore.

Jadeja gets 14 crore rupees, Sanju gets 18 crore rupees

According to reports, Ravindra Jadeja used to earn 18 crore rupees per season at Chennai Super Kings. However, Rajasthan Royals will only pay him 14 crore rupees per season. This means Jadeja has lost 4 crore rupees in his salary.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson (who has 177 matches under his belt) will now play for Chennai Super Kings. Chennai Super Kings will pay him ₹18 crore per season, the same amount he was receiving from Rajasthan Royals. This means there has been no reduction in his fees.

Apart from Jadeja and Sanju, six other players have also been changed in their teams :

Mohammed Shami: Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has also joined the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He will also receive ₹10 crore per season in Lucknow.

Sam Curran: England all-rounder Sam Curran has been traded by Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals. He will receive ₹2.4 crore (approximately $2.4 million) in the same amount as last season. This will be Curran's third team.

Nitish Rana: This player was traded from Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals. Rana is set to receive ₹4.2 crore.

Arjun Tendulkar: Mumbai Indians have traded Arjun Tendulkar to Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 30 lakh.

Donovan Ferreira: South African batsman Donovan Ferreira was traded to Rajasthan Royals from Delhi Capitals for ₹1 crore (₹1 crore). His previous salary was ₹75 lakh (₹7.5 million).

Mayank Markande: Leg spinner Mayank Markande, who was part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, has been traded to Mumbai Indians for Rs 30 lakh.