CSK or RR - who will benefit more if Sanju Samson is traded for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran ahead of IPL 2026?

An IPL off-season dominated by Sanju Samson trade talks has seemingly entered its final stage, with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper almost certain to be wearing the yellow of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) next year. As per the latest ESPN Cricinfo reports, RR are set to trade Samson to CSK for all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

In what is likely to be one of the most earth-shattering trades in IPL history, both bottom-feeders from last season should have a new dynamic to their lineup next year. Yet, as is almost always the case, a trade that appears equally beneficial to both parties at the time ultimately propels one party to greater heights than the other in the future.

Should the above two-for-one deal between RR and CSK go through as expected, which franchise would benefit more? Let us break down the key deciding factors, involving the players and their respective destinations, to find out.

The bigger beneficiary at face value?

One of the thumb rules of T20s or any format for that matter is 'A great all-rounder is always worth more than a great batter or bowler'. Yet, a high-calibre wicketkeeper is arguably the closest thing to an all-rounder at a similar level on impact and magnitude.

Hence, intangibly, Samson and Jadeja almost cancel each other out as valuable commodities. Yet, the inclusion of Curran, especially with him being a pace-bowling all-rounder, alongside Jadeja's spin-bowling all-round capabilities, tilts the trade slightly in favor of RR.

When it comes to recent form, there is little to choose between all three players. Samson had a mediocre IPL 2025 season, scoring 285 runs in nine games at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of just over 140.

Meanwhile, Jadeja finished with 301 runs at an average of 33.44 and a strike rate of 135.58 with the bat in 14 outings, along with 10 wickets at an economy of 8.56. Curran was hit-and-miss for much of the 2025 IPL season for CSK, scoring 114 runs at an average of 22.80 and a strike rate of 135.71 and picking up only the lone wicket at an economy of over 11 in five matches.

Yet, he is coming off an excellent Vitality Blast season, averaging over 26 at a strike rate of 142.57 with the bat and picking up 21 wickets in 15 outings.

Hence, while the recent numbers may be a push, the all-round strength Jadeja and Cuuran offer, compared to Samson's batting and wicketkeeping, is slightly more beneficial to a team's cause.

Edge: RR

Better fit for next season

Instant rewards from a monumental trade almost always ease the nerves of the owners and the scrutiny from the massive fan bases. RR have historically struggled for bona fide all-rounders at the lower middle-order positions to complement their usually well-compiled batting and bowling lineups.

However, in Jadeja and Cuuran, they will have two all-rounders offering different skillsets with the ball and bat. While the former can be as stiffling as any spinner in the middle orders, the latter has displayed the ability to pick up early wickets and stem the flow of runs in the end overs.

RR struggled in the middle overs, with the Sri Lankan spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana being largely inconsistent. Furthermore, Sanju Samson's side relied heavily on their top order to do most of the damage, with end-over choke jobs becoming a common theme.

In Jadeja and Cuuran, they have two left-handers adept at playing different roles in the middle order. While both have endured occasional struggles recently in finishing, their past success should enhance the overall team balance.

Coming to CSK, batting in the powerplay was a major bugaboo, especially in the first half of IPL 2025. While Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel helped massively in that regard in the second half of the season, Samson's addition will undeniably add tremendous strength to their top order.

The right-hander is equally adept at smashing pacers and spinners on his day, with the ability to prosper as an opener or at No. 3. While both franchises will lose something with the trade, they also cover up glaring holes from last season in key areas.

Edge: Both

Who benefits long-term?

Missing the forest for the trees is often a mistake made by most when analyzing a trade. As alluring as the offer may be for RR in the short-term, CSK may have struck the bullseye when it comes to long-term returns.

In Jadeja, RR acquire an IPL legend, but one whose impact continues to diminish by the year. The champion all-rounder is 36 and has retired from T20Is, meaning the IPL will likely be his lone short-format competition.

There is also a question mark on how long Jadeja plays the IPL, which in turn could play spoilsport to RR's long-term plans. While Curran is still at the prime of his career at 27, he is considerably the lesser needle-mover of the two all-rounders in this high-profile trade..

Meanwhile, CSK will land Samson at the ideal stage of his career at 30, when he is a vital part of the Indian T20I setup. With the legendary MS Dhoni likely to walk away after possibly another season at 45, the franchise has the ideal successor for close to the next decade in Samson.

The Kerala gloveman also has extensive captaincy experience, having led RR from 2021 to 2025, which could be handy for CSK in the future.

Edge: CSK

---

Conclusion

When it comes to trades involving established stars and proven performers, both parties almost always benefit and lose out in equal measure. However, in this case, the outcome will likely become a contest between what's valued more: short-term success or long-term rewards. The former almost certainly favor RR, while the latter could go CSK's way.

Verdict: RR win the sprint, while CSK conquer the marathon with the Samson-Jadeja-Curran trade.

Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran