The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Tuesday, November 11, wished keeper-batter Sanju Samson on his 31st birthday with a cryptic post on their social media as trade rumours intensify ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline.According to Cricbuzz, CSK and the Rajasthan Royals have initiated the process of trade, with regulations stating that it takes 48 hours to be formalised. As per reports, the Super Kings are ready to trade Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to acquire Samson's services. It is likely to be one of the most high-profile player trades in IPL history.Taking to X, CSK posted their trademark yellow heart emoji and wrote:"More power to you, Sanju! Wishing you a super birthday."Sanju Samson, who has spent nine seasons with RR, is the highest run-getter for the franchise, aggregating 4219 runs in 155 games at 31.96 while maintaining a strike rate of 140.53 with two centuries. The Kerala superstar has also captained the Royals in 67 matches, winning 33 of them, including propelling them to the final in 2024."He will definitely be an option to lead in the future" - Ravichandran Ashwin on Sanju SamsonRavichandran Ashwin. (Credits: Getty)Former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Sanju Samson will not get the captaincy of the franchise straight away, but he backs the 31-year-old to perform well at the top with Ayush Mhatre. Ashwin said on his YouTube channel 'Ash ki Baat', as quoted by The Indian Express:"I dont think Sanju will get captaincy at CSK because it would be his first year and I am not sure they will give him captaincy right away. But he will definitely be an option to lead in the future if the trade happens. CSK also benefit by plugging that gap in the top order. Ayush and Sanju can open, Ruturaj can come at three, which is what he has been wanting to do. That gives them balance. But the loss would be that from where will they bring another spinner? Who is going to be that spinner who they will bank upon to bowl the middle overs? Who is that gun marquee fielder for them? Finishing is the issue."The mini auction for IPL 2026 is likely to take place in December.