IPL 2026: CSK’s Strategy – Retaining Players, Auction Likely for Samson

The IPL 2026 trade window continues with much speculation, particularly regarding Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their interest in Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson. While a trade may have been considered, CSK is not keen on trading current players. There were whispers of potential trades involving players like Shivam Dube and Ravichandran Ashwin, but those seem unlikely. If CSK genuinely aims to acquire Samson, the auction is the most realistic route. Considering his price from the 2025 season retention at 18 crore, Samson’s value could exceed 20 crore in the auction. Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni are currently in Chennai, working on the team’s strategy. Despite the team’s performance in the 2025 season, CSK appears set on backing its current roster, especially after a large-scale auction overhaul in the prior year.