The buzz for IPL 2026 is on, with reports emerging of a potential trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). While there has been no official confirmation yet, serious talks about the trade are reportedly underway.
If the trade goes through, CSK could part ways with their long-serving and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja made his CSK debut in 2012, playing for the franchise until 2015. He returned to the team in 2018 after their two-year suspension and has remained with them since. Jadeja has been instrumental in CSK’s success, winning the IPL trophy thrice with the team in 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Over his career with CSK, Jadeja has featured in 186 matches, scoring 2,198 runs and taking 143 wickets. His departure would leave a significant gap in the squad, prompting the need for capable replacements.
On that note, here are three players who could replace Ravindra Jadeja if CSK decide to trade him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
### #3 Sanjay Yadav
Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Sanjay Yadav was unsold at the IPL 2025 auctions. The 30-year-old was part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad in 2022 but played just one match.
In the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025, Yadav played for the Trichy Grand Cholas, scoring 196 runs from eight innings at an average of 32.66, including two half-centuries. His experience in the TNPL means he is familiar with conditions in the region—an advantage for any IPL side.
So far, Yadav has accumulated 546 runs and claimed 21 wickets in 35 T20 matches. Being a left-handed batter and a left-arm spinner, he could be a decent option to fill the void left by Jadeja.
### #2 Tanush Kotian
After going unsold at the IPL 2025 auction, Tanush Kotian joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) as a net bowler. Kotian was part of Rajasthan Royals in 2024 but featured in just one game.
In the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the bowling all-rounder took nine wickets from nine games for Mumbai, at an average of 20 and an economy rate of 7.44. He has been in impressive form, picking up 11 wickets in his last two first-class matches.
Kotian can also contribute with the bat, having scored over 2,000 first-class runs, including two hundreds and 17 fifties. At 27 years old, he could be a long-term prospect to replace Jadeja. Spin-friendly conditions at Chennai could also suit his bowling style well.
### #1 Jagadeesha Suchith
Left-arm spinner and left-handed batter Jagadeesha Suchith could be a strong bet for CSK to replace Ravindra Jadeja. The all-rounder brings valuable experience, having played 22 IPL matches and taken 19 wickets.
Suchith played a vital all-round role when the Mysuru Warriors won the Maharaja T20 Trophy in 2024, scoring 161 runs from 11 innings at a strike rate of 164.28 and capturing 12 wickets.
In his recent Ranji Trophy outing for Uttarakhand, Suchith scored 67 runs in the first innings and claimed five wickets in the match. His wicket-taking ability along with quick scoring down the order could greatly benefit CSK if they bring him on board.
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With the possibility of Jadeja moving out, these players offer various options for CSK to maintain balance and strength in their squad ahead of IPL 2026. Fans will be keenly watching the developments as the trade talks progress.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/3-players-can-replace-ravindra-jadeja-csk-trade-ahead-ipl-2026-auction-ft-tanush-kotian
