“No captaincy for Sanju Samson…”- Former CSK star reacts to Ravindra Jadeja’s trade ahead of IPL 2026 auction

The inclusion of Sanju Samson in the Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2026 could plug several holes, including the number three batting, wicket-keeping, and potentially in the leadership group post MS Dhoni’s retirement. There is news of Ravindra Jadeja, the veteran left-arm spin all-rounder, getting traded to the Rajasthan Royals along with Sam Curran for Samson.

The former CSK and Indian all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from the IPL after his last stint, reckoned that the five-time champion’s decision to potentially trade Jadeja could prove to be a massive call by the franchise. He expressed this comment during a video on his ‘Ash ki Baat.’

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“I don’t think Sanju will get captaincy at CSK because it would be his first year, and I am not sure they will give him captaincy right away. But he will definitely be an option to lead in the future if the trade happens. CSK also benefits by plugging that gap in the top order.” Ashwin said in the YouTube video on his channel.

Ravichandran Ashwin not happy with Ravindra Jadeja’s trade news before IPL 2026

Jadeja is CSK’s fifth leading run-getter with 2354 runs in 149 innings at an average of 28.02 and a strike rate of 137.25 with the help of five fifties at the best score of unbeaten 77 runs. Meanwhile, the left-arm spinner collected 152 wickets for CSK in the IPL.

“Ayush and Sanju can open, Ruturaj can come at three, which is what he has been wanting to do. That gives them balance. But the loss would be from where they will bring another spinner? Who is going to be that spinner whom they will bank upon to bowl the middle overs? Who is that gun marquee fielder for them? Finishing is the issue.” Ashwin added in the interaction.

“One thing in the fans’ minds will be Jadeja’s affinity for CSK. Jadeja is no small player for CSK. There is some emotion attached to Jadeja and CSK. And trading is not something they have done in the past. This could also be a good opportunity for Jadeja. RR is a team built on a lot of youngsters and a lot of connections.” The veteran spinner shed light.