3 players CSK should consider signing if Sam Curran is traded out ahead of IPL 2026 Auction ft. Jason Holder 

Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been making headlines as the player retention deadline of November 15, 2025, draws near. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led franchise is reportedly in talks over a blockbuster trade involving Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo on Sunday, November 9, the Royals are likely to trade Samson to CSK in exchange for all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The veteran Indian cricketer has been a standout performer for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), featuring in 186 matches, scoring 2,198 runs with five half-centuries, and picking up 143 wickets.

Meanwhile, Sam Curran has featured in 64 IPL matches, scoring 997 runs at an average of 24.92 and a strike rate of 136.38, including six half-centuries. With the ball, the left-arm seamer has taken 59 wickets at an average of 34.45, a strike rate of 21.2, and an economy rate of 9.73, with best figures of 4/11. Of these, 28 matches have come for CSK, during which he scored 356 runs and picked up 23 wickets.

If the England all-rounder is indeed traded, here’s a look at three players the Super Kings could target as potential replacements for Sam Curran.

3 players CSK could target if Sam Curran is traded

#1 Brandon McMullen

The first player on the list is Scotland all-rounder Brandon McMullen. The 26-year-old has made impressive progress in international cricket, featuring in 23 T20Is, where he has scored 629 runs at an average of 31.45 and a strike rate of 145.93, including seven half-centuries. Additionally, the medium pacer has also picked up seven wickets.

McMullen was outstanding for Scotland during the 2024 T20 World Cup, scoring 140 runs in three innings at an average of 70.00 and a strike rate of 170.73, with fifties against Australia and Oman, showcasing his potential. Given his all-round capabilities, Chennai Super Kings could consider adding the Scottish cricketer to their squad if Sam Curran is traded.

#2 Jason Holder

Next on the list is former West Indies captain and premier all-rounder Jason Holder. The 6’7” fast-bowling all-rounder made his IPL debut with CSK during the 2013 season, featuring in six matches and taking two wickets. Although he went unsold in the 2025 mega auction, the 34-year-old has played 46 IPL games, claiming 53 wickets at an average of 27.56, a strike rate of 18.7, and an economy rate of 8.81.

With the bat, Holder has scored 259 runs in 27 innings at a strike rate of 122.74, with a highest score of an unbeaten 47. Given his ability to bowl effectively in all phases of the innings and contribute valuable lower-order runs, Holder could prove to be an ideal replacement and someone the five-time IPL champions should strongly consider targeting.

Overall, the Barbadian all-rounder brings a wealth of experience, having featured in 321 T20 matches, amassing 3,089 runs (including four fifties) and taking 339 wickets, with a five-wicket haul to his name.

#3 Dwaine Pretorius

The final player on the list that CSK could target if they decide to trade Sam Curran is their former all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius. The 36-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket in January 2023 but has continued to feature in T20 leagues across the globe.

Pretorius previously represented the Super Kings in seven matches across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, where he picked up six wickets and scored 44 runs. Although his stint wasn’t particularly successful, CSK might still be tempted to bring him back, given his familiarity with the team setup, experience under the management, and valuable all-round abilities. His expertise as a death-overs specialist, alongside Matheesha Pathirana, could strengthen CSK’s bowling depth.

Overall, he has featured in 269 T20 matches, scoring 2,994 runs with six half-centuries and taking 248 wickets at an economy rate of 8.28, including a five-wicket haul.

Edited by Dev Sharma