NEW DELHI: Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson are set for a blockbuster switch ahead of the upcoming IPL season, with Jadeja moving to Rajasthan Royals and Samson joining Chennai Super Kings. The trade, confirmed by both franchises, has grabbed the attention of fans ahead of the player retention deadline later this evening.

Jadeja, a long-time CSK stalwart, will now don the Royals' jersey, albeit at a reduced IPL fee of Rs 14 crore, down from his previous Rs 18 crore. Meanwhile, Samson, who captained Rajasthan Royals for four seasons, will wear the iconic yellow of CSK for IPL 2026, maintaining his Rs 18 crore league fee.

IPL 2026 Retention: CSK confirm Sanju Samson trade; Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move to Rajasthan Royals

The swap marks one of the most high-profile trades in recent IPL history, with both players expected to bring their match-winning skills and experience to their new franchises.

"Jadeja, who played for CSK for 12 seasons, is among the most experienced players in the league, having played over 250 games. As part of the trade agreement, his league fee has been revised from Rs 18 crore to Rs 14 crore," said the advisory.

"Rajasthan Royals captain and India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will now represent Chennai Super Kings at his existing league fee of Rs 18 crore.".

One of the most experienced players in the IPL, Samson has played 177 matches in the league with CSK being only his third franchise. He represented RR in all but two seasons - 2016 and 2017 - since making his IPL debut in 2013.

"England all-rounder Sam Curran will move from CSK to RR at his existing league fee of Rs 2.4 crore following a successful trade. The 27-year-old has played 64 IPL matches, and RR will be his third franchise, having previously represented Punjab Kings in 2019, 2023 and 2024, and CSK in the other seasons," the IPL release stated.

Pace-bowling stalwart Mohammed Shami will don the Lucknow Super Giants jersey after a trade from Sunrisers Hyderabad. He will move to the new franchise at his existing fee of Rs 10 crore.

Though the veteran bowler missed the 2024 season due to injury, he had a successful campaign in Gujarat Titans' title-winning campaign in 2023 taking 20 wickets.

Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun Tendulkar will also don LSG colours following a transfer from Mumbai Indians at his existing fee of Rs 30 lakh, while all-rounder Nitish Rana will represent Delhi Capitals following a trade from Rajasthan Royals at his existing fee of Rs 4.2 crore.

South African keeper-batter Donovan Ferreira will return to his first franchise, Rajasthan Royals, following a trade from Delhi Capitals at a revised fee of Rs 1 crore.