• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

IPL 2026 Retention: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan has lifted the lid on the challenging decision to part ways with star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, describing it as one of the most difficult decisions the team management had to make.

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, the league confirmed on Saturday that Jadeja and Sam Curran had been traded to RR, with CSK receiving Sanju Samson in exchange.

Although the news had been spreading for nearly a week, official confirmation from both franchises left many fans heartbroken. Both Jadeja and Samson had been essential parts of their respective teams, becoming the faces of their sides.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026: Ravindra Jadeja Joins RR, Sanju Samson Heads To CSK In Mega Trade

However, the CSK MD said that the judgment was reciprocal, and the players felt a change was essential.

"Chennai Super Kings, as you know, have traded Jadeja and Sam Curran for Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals. As a franchise, you might know that over the years, we have not used the path of trading, except for one year when we got Robin Uthappa. The team management felt the need for a top-order Indian batsman. And since not many Indian batsmen are going to be available at the auction, we thought the best way to get an Indian top-order batter is to go through the trade window," Kasi said in a video shared by the CSK.

"And hence we have to take this call. And, this decision has been taken by the team management and it is a very tough decision leaving out Jaddu, who has been responsible for the success of CSK over the years. It was probably one of the toughest decisions that CSK had to take, that the team management had to take. Considering the transition of CSK at this point of time, the team management took the toughest decision," he added.

"It is a must that we should consult with the players concerned. And it was after mutual agreement that we undertook this. When I spoke to Jadeja, he was also very clear that if there is an opportunity for him because he is also, he also felt that he was at the fag end of his career in white ball. So he also felt that he can have a break," Kasi said.

CSK's Viswanathan said Samson's addition to the team was a calculated move for our future, and the wicketkeeper-batter brings a wealth of experience and youth.

ALSO READ: IND vs SA 1st Test: All-Round India Firmly In Control On Day 2, Trail By 21 Runs At Lunch

“Sanju has been one of the most experienced IPL batsmen, having scored more than 4,500 runs. And he has also been leading Rajasthan Royals. He has the experience and he is only around 30 years. So, we thought that he will be a good addition for CSK to take care of the future. Emotionally, the fans will be very very upset because I have already got a lot of messages from the fans. But taking into account the current status of the team composition, nothing tank of the CSK cricket management felt the need for a change. And I am sure that in the years to come, CSK will maintain the same kind of consistency and also perform well," he added.

Also In News