Explained: Why Rajasthan Royals cannot trade Sanju Samson in CSK before IPL 2026 auction

In the summer of 2025 it has provided a wave of speculation through the IPL circles. The hot rumor? Rajasthan Royals captain (RR) Sanja Samson Make a blockbuster change to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

IPL trade window rules: What do BCCI regulations say?

It Premier League India It has strict rules for the movement of the players. The shops can only happen during the specific commercial windows and even only the players preserved by their franchise, not purchased at the last auction, are eligible. The main commercial window generally opens after a season ending and closing about a week before the next auction.

For a highly valuable player like Samson, a trade is not as simple as taking the phone. The two franchises have agreed, the player must consent to -and the contracts often cover several seasons, can block players for years. In the case of Samson, it is linked to Rajasthan until 2027, unless the Royals let go or hit an agreement in this narrow commercial period.

Why is a Samson-to-CSK trade a long trait?

Samson’s heavy salary reflects his size, but a trade is also complicated. Because the CSK disembarked, they should coincide with their value, hardly offering one or more large names in return, or proposing a rare agreement of cash equivalent.

This is not CSK style. The franchise is known for stability, maintaining its senior players like Ravindra Jadja and Ruturaj Gaikwad. And with the two teams that have to juggle the workforce, salary caps and withholding strategies, a direct exchange feels very unlikely.

Even if it happened, Rajasthan would face another problem: finding a new captain and an anchor of bat, while keeping inside the lid and competing at the same level.

Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin responds to speculations to leave CSK ahead of IPL 2026 withholding

Player choice: withholding and auction

A more recent rule IPL allows players to reject withholding and enter the auction if they want a change. But there is a capture: they cannot demand to go to a specific team. If Samson chose this route, you could take all the franchises, not just CSK.

In summary, unless Rajasthan decides to release Samson and CSK to release everyone at the auction of 2026, the dream of seeing him in yellow remains only that, a dream.

Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin reveals the shocking trick of “extra money” behind CSK IPL for Dewald Brevis