Sanju Samson's IPL journey has come full circle, from a promising young talent at Rajasthan Royals to one of the league's highest-paid Indian players.
After four straight seasons as RR captain, Samson has now moved to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2026, marking one of the most high-profile transfers in the league's history.
Add AllSportsPeople as a preferred news source
Sanju Samson joins CSK for ₹18 crore in IPL 2026 in trade swap deal
CSK has signed Sanju Samson for ₹18 crore ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. This matches his previous salary with Rajasthan Royals in 2025, confirming his place among the top-earning players in the tournament.
Samson's inclusion is expected to fill a crucial batting and leadership gap for CSK, who have been planning for a post-MS Dhoni transition.
The deal also marks a direct swap, with Ravindra Jadeja moving to the Rajasthan Royals as part of the arrangement. CSK has retained other key players, such as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Noor Ahmad.
Sanju Samson's IPL earnings over the years
Samson's rise in the IPL pay scale mirrors his evolution as a cricketer. From his early years at Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals to his captaincy stint with RR, his numbers have consistently grown.
| Year | Price (₹ Cr) | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18.00 | CSK |
| 2025 | 18.00 | RR |
| 2024 | 14.00 | RR |
| 2023 | 14.00 | RR |
| 2022 | 14.00 | RR |
| 2021 | 8.00 | RR |
| 2020 | 8.00 | RR |
| 2019 | 8.00 | RR |
| 2018 | 8.00 | RR |
| 2017 | 4.20 | DC |
| 2016 | 4.20 | DC |
| 2015 | 4.00 | RR |
| 2014 | 4.00 | RR |
| 2013 | 0.10 | RR |
| 2012 | 0.08 | KKR |
More: What is Sanju Samson's record in T20 cricket at M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai?
In total, Samson has earned ₹126.58 crore across his IPL career so far.
What's next for CSK and Samson?
With Samson on board, Chennai are expected to restructure their top and middle order heading into IPL 2026. His experience could make him a vital part of CSK's leadership group as the franchise begins a new chapter.
RELATED LINKS:
- When does the Ashes 2025/26 start? Full schedule for the next Australia vs England five-match Test series
- IPL 2026 Auction: Date, Players List, Rules and Mini-Auction Preview
- IPL 2026 trade deals: Full list of player trades and cash deals ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction
- All IPL-related news
- All the latest cricket news