Blockbuster IPL trade may send Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan.

Big moves are happening ahead of the IPL retention deadline, with a blockbuster trade potentially seeing Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson moving to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The highly anticipated trade, which has been a topic of speculation for months, is reportedly in its final stages. If completed before the November 15 deadline, it would see star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja return to the Rajasthan Royals, the team with whom he won the inaugural IPL title.

However, the deal isn't a straight one-for-one swap. Rajasthan is reportedly demanding a second player alongside Jadeja. While CSK has offered English all-rounder Sam Curran, the Royals are seemingly more interested in acquiring Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana. CSK is hesitant to let Pathirana go, viewing him as a long-term asset, which is currently the main sticking point in negotiations.

The push for Samson comes as CSK looks to the future, specifically finding a long-term replacement for the legendary MS Dhoni. Currently 44, Dhoni’s participation in the next season remains uncertain, despite recent hopes expressed by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan. Samson had reportedly held talks with CSK management months ago during the Major League Cricket season in the US, expressing a keen interest in donning the famous yellow jersey.

For the deal to progress this far, CSK’s leadership, including Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and coach Stephen Fleming, held extensive discussions. It is understood that Dhoni personally gauged Jadeja's interest in the move, and the trade only moved forward after the veteran all-rounder agreed to return to Jaipur.

While initially pushing for an all-cash deal, Chennai had to agree to a player swap to meet Rajasthan's demands for a top-tier Indian spinner. With the deadline fast approaching, cricket fans across India—and especially the passionate supporter base in Odisha—are eagerly waiting to see if this mega-trade gets officially signed.