Jadeja for Samson: CSK, RR in advanced talks for trade
Ravindra Jadeja for Sanju Samson - a possibility once considered not just far-fetched but an outright impossibility in the IPL circles, is no longer a speculation. Over the last few days the trade deal has come into the realm of active negotiations. It is still not, as they say in the US, a slam-dunk - a done deal - but Cricbuzz can confirm that Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are seriously pursuing the trade. Cricbuzz had reported about the possibility on November 7.
Both Jadeja and Samson are INR 18 crore players and the deal could well have been sealed by now. However, it is understood that Rajasthan Royals are not yet agreeable to a straight swap. The franchise is believed to be insisting on the inclusion of another player, which could eventually prove to be the sticking point.
A couple of other franchises are also believed to have been tapped by the Royals management - Sunrisers for instance - apart from keeping their channels of communication open with the likes of Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
The deal-breaker over the CSK-RR deal, it is understood, is the latter's demand for Dewald Brevis, the South African who came into the CSK ranks midway last season. Since then, the South African went on to become one of the top batters in the global franchise circuit. He even attracted a record bid from Pretoria Capitals at the SA20 auction in September, with Jo'burg Super Kings, a subsidiary of CSK, backing out only before the winning bid.
As reported by Cricbuzz over the last few days, Manoj Badale, the UK-based lead owner of Rajasthan Royals who is currently stationed in Mumbai, is heading their negotiations. However, it is learnt that Chennai Super Kings are firm in their stance - they have no intention of including another player in the transaction, let alone Brevis.
The impression from the CSK side is that giving up Jadeja, arguably one of the best cricketer in the world currently, itself is a big giveaway. That said, the franchise, it is understood, has consulted the 36-year-old veteran all-rounder before starting the trade talks. As of now, the status is that the ball is in the RR court.
As for feelers to Sunrisers, it is learnt, the Hyderabad side is not too excited about Samson as the franchise has three established openers - Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, the most feared opening combo in the IPL, besides Ishan Kishan. The franchise sources say they have no intention of parting with Ishan, nor with Heinrich Klaasen, as is being speculated lately.
