Ranking the 5 best trades in busy trading window ahead of IPL 2026 Auction ft. Sanju Samson to CSK

A week full of drama, emotions, and thrill finally concluded as the ten franchises made several retentions, releases, and trades before the IPL 2026 retention deadline on November 15. While the releases threw a few surprises, the number of significant trades involving star players took fans and franchises on a thrill-a-minute ride.

With all the teams attempting to mask some of their holes before the mini auction next month, some traded out their assets to get other fits. Meanwhile, a few others were involved in all-cash deals to welcome in a star player or add to their purse for notable buys at the auction.

A total of nine players were involved in trades that went through before the retention deadline.

Here, we rank the five best trades that transpired in a busy last week ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2026 auction.

#5 Mohammed Shami to LSG

Ace pacer Mohammed Shami was traded from the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) along expected lines in the trading window. However, the move could work wonders for the seamer himself and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who acquired him in an all-cash deal.

The 35-year-old endured arguably his worst-ever IPL season in his maiden stint with SRH this year, picking up only six wickets at an average of over 56 and an economy of 11.23. Yet, the veteran seamer is slowly but surely getting into the groove in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, a year after returning from a 12-month injury layoff.

Lest we forget, Shami picked up at least 19 wickets in five consecutive IPL seasons from 2019 to 2023 before missing the 2024 season with injury. While age might not be on his side, his added motivation to produce could help an LSG pace-bowling department that struggled with injuries and for consistency last season.

#4 Shardul Thakur to MI

A potentially grand homecoming awaits veteran all-rounder Shardul Thakur as he gets set to play for the Mumbai Indians (MI) next year. The franchise traded for the 34-year-old with LSG days before the retention deadline.

Thakur showed glimpses of his ability to be an X-factor in the shortest format, setting the stage on fire for LSG at the start of IPL 2025. Despite coming in as a replacement player for Mohsin Khan, Thakur was valiant in his efforts, finishing with 13 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 29.

At only ₹2 crore, the veteran, who has played for Mumbai throughout his domestic career, returns with a golden opportunity to add another IPL title to his resume. With the injury history and inconsistencies of Deepak Chahar, who plays a similar pace-bowling all-rounder role, Thakur might be the missing piece to MI's puzzle as they look to end a five-year title drought.

#3 Nitish Rana to DC

Delhi-born batter Nitish Rana's trade to the Delhi Capitals (DC) from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) went unnoticed amid the seemingly more marquee moves involving star players. Yet, by acquiring the left-hander for ₹4.2 crore, DC solves several of their bugaboos from last season.

Rana's ability to thrive against spin and pace alike in the middle will enable the franchise to move KL Rahul back to his favorite opening position. Furthermore, the southpaw adds to DC's Indian batting depth, with the ability to also roll his arm over on turning tracks.

Despite a subpar overall average of only 21.70 in IPL 2025, Nitish played several valuable cameos for RR, evidenced by his brilliant strike rate of 161.94. Having been part of two championship-winning squads with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI), DC will hope Nitish's experience helps them win their maiden IPL title.

#2 Sanju Samson to CSK

The blockbuster trade of this year's trading window involved two of the biggest names in the IPL, Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja. RR traded the former after an 11-year association with him to CSK, while welcoming Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Samson will add much-needed impetus to the Men in Yellow at the top of the order, a massive area of concern last season. Furthermore, the 31-year-old is also likely to be MS Dhoni's successor as their long-time wicketkeeper.

Samson could also be CSK's future captain, should they continue struggling like they have the last two seasons, having led RR since 2021. By acquiring the right-hander, CSK should boast one of the intimidating top orders in IPL 2026.

#1 Ravindra Jadeja to RR

While star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja may be at the fag end of his illustrious career, he still has much to offer tangibly and intangibly in the IPL. RR have historically struggled with a finisher and an all-rounder, and Jadeja almost fills in both spots by himself.

Even in a supposedly down season this year, the 36-year-old scored over 300 runs and picked up 10 wickets. Jadeja's ability to bat anywhere in the order, combined with the experience in finishing games, is just what the doctor ordered for an RR unit that struggled to close several winnable deals last season.

Furthermore, RR acquired Jadeja at a revised price of ₹14 crore, four less than his 2025 price, enabling them to add Sam Curran from CSK to their roster. The incredible transaction sees RR buy both star all-rounders for a combined rate less than Samson's, which could be invaluable at the upcoming auction.

In Jadeja, RR also have their Indian spinner and a possible captain, making it the ultimate steal looking at next year.

Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran