IPL shake-up: Jadeja to RR, Samson to CSK in megatrade; Russell let go by KKR

The Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a flurry of activity on the final day of player trades with eight confirmed moves, headlines by the high-profile switches of Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

In a major shakeup, Jadeja has been traded to the Royals while Samson will make his way to the CSK. Later in the evening, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) dropped the bombshell by releasing star all-rounder Andre Russell, who has been a constant for the franchise since IPL 2014.

Jadeja, one of CSK’s longest-serving players with over 250 appearances across 12 seasons, will join RR on a reduced league fee of Rs 14 crore, down from Rs 18 crore.

Commenting on his return to the Royals’ setup, Jadeja said, “Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory. Coming back feels special, it’s not just a team for me, it’s home. Rajasthan Royals is where I won my first IPL, and I hope to win more with this current group of players,” said the all-rounder in a statement released by the franchise on Saturday.

Samson, meanwhile, switched to CSK at his existing fee of Rs 18 crore. The wicketkeeper-batter, who made his IPL debut in 2013, has largely been associated with RR, barring a two-year stint with Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2016 and 2017. CSK becomes only the third franchise of his career.

“We are only here for a short period of time. Gave my everything to this franchise, enjoyed some great cricket, made some lifetime relations, treated everyone in the franchise as my family... And when it's time... I am moving on... Shall always be grateful for everything @rajasthanroyals,” Samson wrote in a social media post.