CSK CEO opens up on ‘tough decision’ to trade Jadeja, reveals why Sanju Samson is needed

Following the trade deal between CSK and RR involving Jadeja, Curran and Samson, the CSK CEO has explained the rationale behind the move

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has dubbed the decision to trade Ravindra Jadeja to RR as one of the toughest. After spending 14 seasons with CSK, the veteran all-rounder will now play for a new team and his league fee has been revised from Rs 18 crore to Rs 14 crore for IPL 2026. Following the official confirmation of the trade deal involving Jadeja, Curran and Samson, the CSK CEO has explained the rationale behind the move and what the team needs at this current period of transition.

Why was Jadeja traded from CSK to RR?

In a video uploaded on their social media handles, CSK CEO Viswanathan said that the decision to trade Jadeja and Curran to RR was taken after both parties reached a mutual agreement. He said that Jadeja had felt that he was ready to move if there was an opportunity for him, adding that the southpaw was at the fag end of his white-ball career. The CSK CEO said that while the fans could be upset with the move to part ways with veteran Jadeja, it was the need of the hour as the team management felt that there was a need for change.

“It is a must that we should consult the players concerned, and it was after mutual agreement that we undertook this. See when I spoke to Jadeja, he was also very clear that if there is an opportunity for him because he also felt that he is in the far end of his career in white ball. So he also felt that he can have a break. Emotionally the fans will be very very upset because they have already got a lot of messages from the fans. But taking into account the current status of the team composition, the think tank of the CSK cricket management felt the need for change and I am sure that in the years to come the CSK will be maintaining the same kind of consistency and also perform well,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan explained.

Why CSK need Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson created history on Saturday by becoming the most expensive trade deal in the history of IPL at Rs 18 crore. Explaining the decision to go after the ex-RR captain, the CSK CEO stated that the team needed a top-order Indian batter and that the trade window was the only option to do so as not a lot of Indian batters will be a part of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

“The team management felt that need for a top order Indian batter. And since, not many Indian batters are not going to be available at the auction, we thought that the best way to get one is to go through the trade window. Sanju has been one of the most experienced IPL batters, having scored over 4500 runs. He has also led RR and is only around 30 years, so we thought he will be a good addition for CSK,” Kasi Viswanathan explained.