Jadeja out, Samson in

Chennai Super Kings made a seismic call on Saturday, trading Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals to bring Sanju Samson to Chepauk — a decision the franchise says was painful but necessary.

- Haridev Pushparaj

CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan spoke plainly: the team needed a quality Indian top-order batter and, with limited options at the mini-auction, the trade window offered the clearest route.

Jadeja’s exit will sting. He spent 12 seasons with CSK, appearing in 186 matches, taking 143 wickets and scoring 2,198 runs. He won three IPL titles for Chennai and, briefly in 2022, wore the captain's armband. More than statistics, Jadeja symbolised CSK’s grit and balance — a dependable all-rounder who turned matches with bat, ball and electric fielding. Fans have flooded CSK with messages of disbelief and sorrow; the emotional response is real and justified. Viswanathan did not shy from the raw facts.