by The TATA IPL 2026 has already started making headlines. Several big names have switched franchises through trades ahead of the official retention deadline.
From Ravindra Jadeja joining the Rajasthan Royals to Sanju Samson moving to the Chennai Super Kings, the upcoming season promises fresh combinations and exciting contests.
TATA IPL 2026 Major Player Trades
Big Names on the Move in TATA IPL 2026:
The trade window saw eight significant player movements. Some veterans found new homes while young talents returned to their former teams.
Franchises used this opportunity to restructure their squads strategically. The changes reflect team management’s vision for the upcoming season.
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Ravindra Jadeja Leaves CSK After 12 Years
Ravindra Jadeja, the former Chennai Super Kings captain, has been traded to the Rajasthan Royals. This marks the end of an era for CSK fans.
Jadeja played 250+ matches in CSK’s yellow jersey across 12 seasons. He became a vital part of their success story.
His fee was revised from ₹18 crore to ₹14 crore for the move. RR gets an experienced all-rounder who can change games single-handedly.
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Sanju Samson Takes Charge at CSK
In a swap deal, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson moves to Chennai Super Kings. This will be his third IPL franchise.
The wicketkeeper-batsman has 177 IPL matches under his belt. He played for Delhi in 2016-17 but otherwise remained loyal to RR.
CSK retained its existing fee of ₹18 crore. Samson brings leadership experience and explosive batting to the Marina squad.
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England All-Rounder Sam Curran Joins RR
Sam Curran completes his move from CSK to the Rajasthan Royals. The English all-rounder’s fee stays unchanged at ₹2.4 crore.
Curran has played 64 IPL matches for different teams. He previously represented the Punjab Kings before joining Chennai.
His ability to bowl in power plays and finish games makes him valuable. RR strengthens its overseas player pool with this addition.
- Mohammed Shami Returns to Action with LSG
Mohammed Shami joins Lucknow Super Giants from Sunrisers Hyderabad. LSG paid ₹10 crore to secure the veteran pacer.
Shami missed the entire 2024 season due to injury. Before that, he won the Purple Cap in 2023 with 28 wickets for the Gujarat Titans.
The right-arm fast bowler has 119 IPL appearances. His experience will strengthen LSG’s bowling attack significantly.
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Mayank Markande Returns Home to MI
Mayank Markande comes back to the Mumbai Indians from the Kolkata Knight Riders. MI acquired him for ₹30 lakh.
The leg-spinner started his IPL career with Mumbai. He has played 37 matches and taken 37 wickets across five franchises.
Markande previously played for MI, RR, SRH, and KKR. His return to Mumbai could revive his career trajectory.
- Arjun Tendulkar Moves to Lucknow
Arjun Tendulkar leaves the Mumbai Indians for the Lucknow Super Giants. LSG signed him for ₹30 lakh.
The left-arm pacer made his IPL debut in 2023. MI first picked him in the 2021 auction.
This move gives Arjun a fresh opportunity to prove himself. LSG’s investment shows faith in his potential.
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Nitish Rana Shifts to Delhi Capitals
Nitish Rana trades his RR jersey for Delhi Capitals colors. DC acquired him for ₹4.2 crore.
The left-handed batsman has played 100+ IPL matches. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2023 season.
Rana’s aggressive batting style suits DC’s approach. He adds depth to their middle-order batting lineup.
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Donovan Ferreira Back at Rajasthan
South African batsman Donovan Ferreira returns to the Rajasthan Royals from the Delhi Capitals. His fee increased from ₹75 lakh to ₹1 crore.
Ferreira started his IPL journey with RR. The power-hitter gets a homecoming that could boost his confidence.
RR clearly sees long-term potential in the young talent. His hitting ability in death overs makes him a useful asset.
Player Trade Summary Table
| Player | Previous Team | New Team | Old Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | RR | ₹18 crore | ₹14 crore |
| Sanju Samson | RR | CSK | ₹18 crore | ₹18 crore |
| Sam Curran | CSK | RR | ₹2.4 crore | ₹2.4 crore |
| Mohammed Shami | SRH | LSG | ₹10 crore | ₹10 crore |
| Mayank Markande | KKR | MI | ₹30 lakh | ₹30 lakh |
| Arjun Tendulkar | MI | LSG | ₹30 lakh | ₹30 lakh |
| Nitish Rana | RR | DC | ₹4.2 crore | ₹4.2 crore |
| Donovan Ferreira | DC | RR | ₹75 lakh | ₹1 crore |
What These Trades Mean?
These movements reshape team dynamics completely. Rajasthan Royals made the most trades, bringing in four players.
Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants also remained active. They focused on filling specific gaps in their squads.
Mumbai Indians brought back an old player while releasing a famous name. Delhi Capitals targeted experienced middle-order strength.
The trades show teams preparing for the mega auction differently. Some built around experienced stars, while others invested in youth.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Cricket fans across India are discussing these changes eagerly. Social media platforms are buzzing with opinions about each trade.
Many CSK supporters feel emotional about Jadeja’s departure. Similarly, RR fans wonder how they will replace Samson’s captaincy.
The return of Shami excites LSG fans after his injury layoff. Mumbai supporters hope Markande can recreate his early success.
These trades have created new rivalries and storylines. Matches between CSK and RR will carry extra intensity now.
Looking Ahead
The retention deadline is approaching fast. Franchises will soon announce their final list of retained players.
More surprises could follow when teams reveal their retention strategies. The mega auction will determine the complete squad compositions.
Fans are eagerly waiting for official retention announcements from all ten franchises. The IPL 2026 season already looks promising.
These early trades give us a glimpse of team management thinking. Strategic planning has begun well before the auction date.
For the latest updates on IPL 2026 player retentions, auction news, and squad analysis, keep following cricketbureau.com.
Final Thoughts
The TATA IPL 2026 trade window delivered dramatic changes. Star players found new homes while franchises reshaped their future.
From Jadeja’s emotional exit to Samson’s leadership shift, each trade tells a unique story. The upcoming season will test these calculated gambles.
Cricket fans now wait eagerly for the retention deadline. The real excitement begins when teams announce their core groups.
One thing is certain – IPL 2026 will bring fresh contests and unexpected outcomes. The player movements have set the stage perfectly.
