“CSK felt the need for a change” - CSK CEO says fans will be upset on release of Ravindra Jadeja before IPL 2026 auction

On Saturday, November 15, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan gave an explanation of the team's difficult decision to transfer Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja to RR in order to acquire Sanju Samson. Samson joined Chennai for Rs. 18 crores, completing the deal that had been in the works for a few weeks.

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One of CSK's most decorated players, Jadeja left for RR for 14 crores. The Indian all-rounder played with CSK for 12 seasons, winning three IPL titles while serving as captain in 2022.

Speaking in an official video, Viswanathan explained that CSK was in need of a top-order batter and hence decided to trade in Sanju Samson. Samson can play multiple roles of opener, backup keeper, and, if needed, future captain of the CSK team.

According to the CEO of CSK, Jadeja, who was nearing the end of his career and seeking a fresh chance, agreed to the call.

"The team management felt the need for a top-order Indian batsman. And since not many Indian batsmen are going to be available at the auction, we thought that the best way to get an Indian top-order batsman would be to go through the trade window. And hence, we have to take this call, and this decision has been taken by the team management, and it is a very tough decision leaving out Jaddu, who has been responsible for the success of CSK over the years,” the CSK CEO said in the video.

"It was probably one of the toughest decisions CSK had to take as a team management. Considering the transition of CSK at this point in time, the team management took the toughest decision. It is a must that we should consult the players concerned, and it was after mutual agreement that we undertook this. When I spoke to Jadeja, he was also very clear that there is an opportunity for him because he's also felt that he's in the fag end of his career in white ball. So, he also felt that he could have a break," said Viswanathan.

The CEO of CSK stated that Samson was a crucial player to bring in during the transition phase and that it was crucial for the squad to develop a team for the future.

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"Leaving out Sam as well as Jaddu was one of the toughest calls. We have certain players who are at the fag end of their careers. And it is very important for CSK to build a team in the next couple of years. And since this is a mini auction, we don't have the opportunity to get the best of the Indian batsmen. Sanju has been one of the most experienced IPL batsmen, having scored more than 4500 runs, and he has also been leading Rajasthan Royals. He has the experience, and he's only around 30 years old, so we thought that he'll be a good addition for CSK to take care of the future," said Viswanathan.

The CEO of CSK acknowledged that supporters would be disappointed to see Jadeja depart the team, but this year a change was required.

"See, emotionally, the fans will be very, very upset because we've 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'm sure that in the years to come, CSK will be maintaining the same kind of consistency and also performing well," said Viswanathan.

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