As IPL 2026 retention deadline approaches, several franchises have finalized high-profile player trades. Here’s a detailed look at the confirmed moves:
Ravindra Jadeja – Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Veteran all-rounder and former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Ravindra Jadeja will now don the RR jersey for the upcoming season. Jadeja, who spent 12 seasons with CSK and played over 250 IPL matches, brings immense experience to his new franchise. As part of the trade, his league fee has been revised from ₹18 crore to ₹14 crore.
Sanju Samson – Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
RR captain and India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has moved to CSK at his existing fee of ₹18 crore. Samson, a 177-match IPL veteran, will play for only his third franchise since making his IPL debut in 2013. Except for brief stints with Delhi Capitals in 2016 and 2017, he has represented RR throughout his career.
Sam Curran – Rajasthan Royals (RR)
England all-rounder Sam Curran will transfer from CSK to RR at his existing fee of ₹2.4 crore. The 27-year-old has played 64 IPL matches and joins RR as his third franchise, after previous spells with Punjab Kings (2019, 2023-24) and CSK.
Mohammed Shami – Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami moves from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to LSG at his existing fee. Shami, who debuted in 2013, has represented five IPL franchises, including a Purple Cap-winning campaign with Gujarat Titans in 2023 (28 wickets). He missed the 2024 season due to injury but remains one of the league’s most experienced fast bowlers.
Mayank Markande – Mumbai Indians (MI)
Leg-spinner Mayank Markande returns to MI following a trade from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at his existing fee. Markande, who began his IPL journey with MI, has played for RR (2021) and SRH (2023-24), taking 37 wickets in 37 matches.
Arjun Tendulkar – Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Bowling all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar will join LSG from MI at his existing fee of ₹30 lakh. Picked by MI in the 2021 auction, he made his IPL debut in 2023.
Nitish Rana – Delhi Capitals (DC)
Left-handed batter Nitish Rana moves from RR to DC at his existing fee of ₹4.2 crore. Rana, who has played over 100 IPL matches, also captained KKR in 2023 when Shreyas Iyer was sidelined.
Donovan Ferreira – Rajasthan Royals (RR)
All-rounder Donovan Ferreira returns to his first franchise, RR, following a trade from DC. His league fee has been revised from ₹75 lakh to ₹1 crore under the transfer agreement.
These trades reflect the strategic reshuffling by franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline, aiming to balance experience, talent, and leadership across squads.
