IPL 2026 Trade: Dube and Ashwin set to make way for Sanju Samson in CSK

Shivam Dube to Rajasthan Royals

Shivam Dube going to the Rajasthan Royals could solve a lot of problems for the 2008 champions. The left-handed batter would be a vital cog in the RR middle order. In an already young batting lineup consisting of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel could benefit massively from the addition of Dube. Even though the 32-year-old has limited experience of playing in international cricket, he has ample experience of playing in the Indian Premier League. 

Having finished in ninth position just above CSK, the Royals from Rajasthan desperately need an all-rounder on their side. Dube hasn’t been used as a bowler by CSK thanks to the impact sub-rule. However, he has sent down enough overs during India’s home series in late 2024. Dube, along with Riyan Parag, could provide the bowling depth that RR lacked massively in the previous cycle. 

Sanju Samson to CSK

It has been a few days since the news of Sanju Samson coming to CSK has been doing the rounds on social media. The wicketkeeper batter was recently seen in a Major League Cricket game featuring the Texas Super Kings. 

Chennai Super Kings, who are preparing themselves for a life after MS Dhoni, would welcome the arrival of Samson. The 30-year-old has a massive fan following all over the country, especially in Southern India. 

If Sanju Samson moves to Chennai Super Kings, then the Royals would need to find another skipper. Riyan Parag led the team in the absence of Samson in IPL 2025. However, there are reports that suggest that Yashasvi Jaiswal also carries leadership ambitions. If Samson is released from RR in IPL 2026 , then they could be in a tangle in terms of choosing their captain. 

If Dhoni indeed retires before the next season, then Samson could take over the wicketkeeping responsibilities for the five-time champions. It has been a couple of tough years for CSK, which has failed to make the playoffs in 2024 and 2025. In the latter, they finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time in their history of the points table. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad was at the helm during these two seasons. However, with the expected arrival of Samson, there could be a change in the leadership group as well. With the Royals, Sanju led the team to the final in 2023 for the first time since 2008.

Could there be three players involved in the trade?

There are reports that suggest that Sanju Samson’s move to the Chennai Super Kings could result in two players joining RR. Apart from Shivam Dube, another off-spinner from CSK could move to the Royals. Reportedly, Ravichandran Ashwin, who was part of the RR setup in the past three seasons, could also move back to his former team. 

Ashwin had a pretty disappointing season after his sensational return to CSK. The veteran off-spinner picked up only seven wickets in nine games and was highly expensive in the 31 overs he bowled in the tournament.