“This is very unlike CSK” - R Ashwin’s huge statement amid Samson-Jadeja trade rumours for IPL 2026

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has admitted that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have deviated from their core principles that they hold close to facilitate the trade between Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja. The franchises are on the brink of completing the move, which also involves Sam Curran, ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 retention deadline.

CSK have been on the hunt for Sanju Samson for a while now, with the interest surging after the wicket-keeper expressed his desire to part ways with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) after the 2025 season. The explosive batter was close to joining the Delhi Capitals (DC), but the negotiations between the franchises fell through, prompting the Yellow Army to swoop in at the expense of Jadeja.

The veteran all-rounder has been part of the CSK setup since 2012, and has played a vital role in multiple title triumphs to leave an incredible legacy.

Ashwin remarked that the fans, who are upset about Jadeja being traded, have a valid point since it was an unexpected move from CSK, who have always valued and held onto their core players.

"I totally get the emotional angle of the fans (regarding Jadeja's exit from CSK), but I am obliged to say that this is very unlike CSK. The sentiments of the fans are completely justified. CSK's identity was stability and trust in players, and that was a huge message. This is how CSK built a quality brand, of course it was all built around Dhoni, there is no doubt about that, and that is why this particular piece of news is a bit difficult for a lot of fans to digest. I am actually looking at it (the trade) again, and again, and again, and I am thinking CSK have probably missed a trick," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

The former CSK player further stated that he has had to bear the brunt of CSK's decision-making, as fans are criticising him for facilitating and not intervening in the trade move.

"All I have seen on Instagram over the last few days is about how they are all feeling bad about Jadeja leaving the franchise. Even in the comment section of the videos, people are abusing, as if we traded Jadeja out. They are telling me to ask CSK to stop the trade. In my view, this is a trade of chalk and cheese. In many ways, RR got the slot they needed to fill, and CSK got the face that they wanted," Ashwin added.

Jadeja represented CSK in 186 IPL matches, where he scored 2198 runs at an average of 28.55 and a strike rate of 136.10. With the ball, he claimed 143 wickets at an average of 28.33 and an economy of 7.64. He walks away as the second-leading wicket-taker of the franchise, placed only below Dwayne Bravo.

"I think there are a few hiccups before the deal is being completed" - R Ashwin on the delay behind the rumored Samson-Jadeja trade for IPL 2026

Reports intensified over the last few days regarding the near completion of the deal, but there is still complete silence as far as any official statements by the franchises are concerned.

R Ashwin revealed that RR are struggling to accommodate the incoming Sam Curran to their side as they do not have a free overseas player slot.

"I think there are a few hiccups before the deal is being completed. It is also being said that RR are looking to sell off some of their foreign players in order to accommodate Curran in the squad. I think it is only a matter of a few intricacies. If the deal collapses at this stage, it will be very, very hard. Unless Jadeja changes his mind, or Samson changes his mind, or the franchises make a U-turn," he shared.

R Ashwin also assured that CSK are only taking action after considering options with the key figures in their setup, like veteran player MS Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming.

"The fact of the matter is, whatever that has happened with CSK, or is going on in CSK, or whatever that will happen with CSK, it will be in consultation with someone like MS Dhoni or Stephen Fleming. They must have discussed a lot before coming to this discussion, but I don't think they are the kind that go back and revisit after taking these decisions," Ashwin added.

The retention deadline ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction is set for Saturday, November 15.