Sanju Samson: In Form But In Flux as IPL Trade Saga Dominates Headlines
LONDON, 23 January 2026 – Sanju Samson, one of Indian cricket’s most gifted and debated talents, finds himself at a familiar crossroads. While his bat has done the talking in recent domestic and international fixtures, off-field speculation about a seismic Indian Premier League trade is threatening to overshadow his on-field exploits. The Kerala star, currently with the Rajasthan Royals, is the subject of intense reports linking him with a move to the Chennai Super Kings, creating one of the most compelling narratives ahead of the 2026 season.
The Transfer Tug-of-War
The cricket rumour mill is in overdrive regarding Samson’s future. Multiple outlets, including ESPNcricinfo, have reported that a high-profile trade sending Samson to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran is in advanced discussions. This would represent one of the most significant swaps in IPL history. However, conflicting reports from sources close to the Rajasthan Royals camp insist that Samson remains their “undisputed captain” and is not going anywhere. This contradiction has left fans and pundits alike parsing every statement, with a final resolution expected before the IPL’s retention deadline.
Recent Form: A Mixed Bag
Samson’s recent performances have mirrored the inconsistency that has often defined his international career. In T20 Internationals during 2025, he managed 51 runs in five innings at an average of 10.20, a modest return by his standards. However, he showed flashes of his destructive best in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Kerala, posting scores of 73*, 46, and 51* in December. Most recently, on 21 January 2026, he took a spectacular one-handed diving catch to dismiss Devon Conway in a T20I against New Zealand, reminding everyone of his athleticism behind the stumps.
This period follows a spectacular late-2024 purple patch where he smashed three T20I centuries in five matches, including back-to-back tons in South Africa. Despite this, he was a surprising omission from India’s victorious Champions Trophy 2025 squad, with reports suggesting his decision to skip a domestic preparatory camp did not sit well with selectors.
A Career of Unfulfilled Promise?
Now 31, Samson’s international journey has been a stop-start affair since his debut in 2015. Boasting an impressive ODI average of 56.66 from 16 matches, including a match-winning 108 against South Africa in December 2023, many believe he has never received the extended run his talent warrants. In T20Is, he has over 1,000 runs but an average of 25.80, highlighting a pattern of brilliant cameos without the weight of consistent, match-defining scores. Former India chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth recently advised him, “Don’t get out on 37. Convert that 37 into 73. If you do that, you can’t be removed.”
Sanju Samson: Key Facts & Figures
| Format | Key Statistic |
|---|---|
| ODI Career | 16 matches, 510 runs, Avg. 56.66, SR 99.61, 1 century. |
| T20I Career | 52 matches, 1,032 runs, Avg. 25.80, SR 148.06, 3 centuries. |
| IPL Career (Overall) | 169 matches, 4,470 runs, Avg. 29.80, SR 139.0, 3 centuries. |
| IPL 2024 Season (RR) | 531 runs at Avg. 48.27, SR 153.47 – his best IPL season. |
| Potential Trade Value | Reportedly involved in a swap deal valued at approx. ₹18 crore. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Sanju Samson officially been traded to Chennai Super Kings?
No, a trade has not been officially confirmed. As of 23 January 2026, there are strong reports from several media outlets that a deal sending Samson to CSK in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran is being negotiated. However, other sources maintain that Rajasthan Royals have no intention of trading their captain. The situation remains fluid.
Why was Sanju Samson dropped from the 2025 Champions Trophy squad?
While his on-field form was not the primary issue, reports indicate his omission was influenced by disciplinary concerns. The Kerala Cricket Association stated Samson sent a “one-line text” declining to attend a mandatory preparatory camp for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which was not well-received by the selectors.
What is Sanju Samson’s batting role in the Indian T20I team?
His role has been fluid. After a successful stint as an opener in late 2024 where he scored three centuries, he was shifted to the middle order upon Shubman Gill’s return to the side. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has stated that apart from openers, all batters must be flexible, and Samson has been willing to adapt, though securing a permanent spot has proven difficult.