In one of the biggest trade shake-ups ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the Sanju Samson–Ravindra Jadeja swap deal has officially been finalised. Samson will now don the iconic yellow of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), while Ravindra Jadeja returns to Rajasthan Royals (RR), the franchise where his IPL journey began over a decade ago. England all-rounder Sam Curran has also moved to the Royals, adding further intrigue to this high-profile reshuffle.
CSK–RR complete biggest trade deal of the season
The blockbuster trade, which has been in discussion for weeks, sees Jadeja’s league fee revised from ₹18 crore to ₹14 crore. CSK had retained him at ₹18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, but the return to Rajasthan marks a fresh chapter for the seasoned all-rounder who has played 254 IPL matches.
Sanju Samson, meanwhile, joins CSK at his existing fee of ₹18 crore. The wicketkeeper-batter and Rajasthan’s long-time captain has featured in 177 IPL games and led the Royals to the 2022 final. For Samson, CSK becomes just the third franchise of his career.
The trade marks the end of a long and defining era for both players, who have been the face of their respective teams in recent years.
Sam Curran strengthens Rajasthan Royals’ all-round department
In another significant move, England all-rounder Sam Curran has shifted from CSK to the Royals at his existing fee of ₹2.4 crore. Curran has been among the league’s most impactful overseas all-rounders and has represented Punjab Kings and CSK in previous editions. With 64 IPL matches under his belt, his move adds depth to Rajasthan’s middle order and bowling options.
Arjun Tendulkar and Mohammed Shami find new homes
A notable transfer sees Arjun Tendulkar leave the Mumbai Indians to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at his current fee of ₹30 lakh. The young left-arm seamer, who made his debut with MI, will look to carve out more regular opportunities in Lucknow’s setup.
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has also been traded to LSG at his existing fee of ₹10 crore. Shami, a Purple Cap winner with 28 wickets in the 2023 season, moves from SunRisers Hyderabad after previously being a key member of the Gujarat Titans’ title-winning squad. His inclusion is expected to significantly bolster LSG’s new-ball attack.
More transfer activity reshapes team strategies
The Mumbai Indians have brought back leg-spinner Mayank Markande from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at his existing fee of ₹30 lakh. Markande, who made an impressive IPL debut for MI in 2018, returns to his first franchise after stints with multiple teams.
Nitish Rana, previously with Rajasthan Royals, has been traded to Delhi Capitals (DC) at his existing fee of ₹4.2 crore. Rana, who briefly captained KKR in 2023 when Shreyas Iyer was injured, brings valuable left-handed stability to Delhi’s middle order.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Donovan Ferreira has returned to RR from Delhi Capitals. His fee has been revised upward from ₹75 lakh to ₹1 crore as part of the trade agreement.
Impact of the trades on the 2025 season
The transfer window has dramatically altered team combinations, with franchises preparing for one of the most competitive seasons of the IPL. CSK’s acquisition of a proven leader and senior batter in Samson signals an intent to rebuild their batting core following MS Dhoni’s retirement from captaincy.
For RR, Jadeja’s return is symbolic as well as strategic, giving them a high-impact all-rounder capable of turning matches with both bat and ball. Curran’s addition further reinforces their depth.
LSG’s double signing of Shami and Arjun Tendulkar strengthens their pace attack, while MI, DC, and KKR have also made targeted adjustments to fine-tune their squads.
As teams gear up for the mega auction and final squad preparation, the latest round of trades promises an exciting and unpredictable IPL 2025 season.