CSK MD Kasi Viswanathan reveals why the franchise made the tough call to trade Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran for Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026.
His return to the franchise that first dubbed him Rockstar marks a full-circle moment - but it also raises a key question: why would one of the IPL's top all-rounders accept a reduced salary now?
The batter, who has three IPL and three international centuries to his name, is seen as MS Dhoni's replacement in the squad, both as a leader and a wicketkeeper-batter.
Markande, who made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2018, enjoyed a breakout season with a memorable three-wicket haul in his very first match.
Arjun, who was bought by MI for Rs 30 lakh in the 2023 auction, featured in the side's plans since IPL 2021, though he made his debut only in the 2023 edition, going on to play four matches
Thakur, who represented LSG in the 2025 IPL season, has been traded to Mumbai Indians for his existing player fee of Rs. 2 crore.
Watson is an IPL veteran, featuring in 12 seasons since the inaugural 2008 edition. He played a pivotal role in Rajasthan Royals' remarkable triumph that year, earning the MVP award in 2013.
Birla Estates' partnership with the Gujarat Titans reflects the company's focus on connecting with India's youth and fostering shared experiences beyond real estate.
Since this is not a mega auction, franchises have the freedom to retain or release as many players as they wish.
This year, the event will follow the mini-auction format, offering franchises limited opportunities to tweak their squads and make tactical additions.
The move is termed surprising as CSK fans are questioning whether Sanju in the squad is worth sending their legend Ravindra Jadeja over to the other side
Seventeen years after he first wore the jersey of Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural IPL, the veteran all-rounder could return to the franchise where it all began, bringing his journey full circle
After two years of being hosted abroad, the 2026 IPL auction looks set for an Indian venue
Former India U-19 fielding coach Abhay Sharma is likely to join Lucknow Super Giants as fielding coach for 2026 Indian Premier League. Sharma's latest assignment was with the Uganda national team and as head coach, he was part of the side's maiden World Cup campaign in 2024. The 56-year-old has also coached the Indian women's cricket team. After making the play-offs in their first two seasons, LSG finished seventh in the previous two editions. The franchise recently announced Tom Moody as its director of cricket with New Zealand great Kane Williamson named its strategic director. Rishabh Pant is the leader of the side coached by Justin Langer. "Abhay has extensive experience working with the leading Indian cricketers and that should come in handy at LSG," said a BCCI source. The former first class cricketer has worked with the likes of Pant, Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel, Avesh Khan, Yashasvi Jaiswal at the U-19 level. He was part of India U-19 support staff in the
IPL 2026 retention rules allow franchises to retain an unlimited number of players, with no cap on the number of capped Indian players, overseas players, or uncapped players they can keep
Ravindra Jadeja for Sanju Samson, a swap once dismissed as fantasy by insiders, is now at the heart of active negotiations between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR)
The veteran, who has been the face of the Super Kings since the league's inception in 2008, remains committed to guiding the franchise through another season
Months after RCB's first IPL crown, Diageo plans to sell both the men's and women's teams. Strategic reasons, valuation, and timeline explained.
Veteran Australian coach Tom Moody joins Lucknow Super Giants as global director of cricket ahead of IPL 2026 auction, marking his return to the league after leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022.
Nayar, 42, has been closely associated with the Knight Riders setup since 2018, serving as a key member of the support staff.