Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have ended the debate over trade rumours, sharing a hilarious video on social media featuring CEO Kasi Viswanathan and their mascot, Leo. As the IPL 2026 retention deadline for the franchises is coming up, there are speculations about star players being traded have dominated social media over the last few weeks.
Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson's transfer to CSK is one of the notable speculations ahead of the retentions date. There are rumours that Samson, who has been a part of RR since 2018 and has been leading the franchise since 2021, is seeking a fresh direction and may be on his way out of the franchise, where he has served as captain.
According to social media rumours, CSK have reopened talks with Rajasthan about a possible trade involving Samson. The reports further stated that Rajasthan has asked for big-name CSK players like Ravindra Jadeja or Ruturaj Gaikwad in exchange for Samson, and the Chennai-based franchise are hesitant to part with core members of their squad, which has slowed the process.
CSK on trade rumours
However, CSK ended the rumours with CEO Kasi Viswanathan joking about a social media rumour claiming he was going to be traded to Punjab Kings in return for Preity Zinta. The 2023 IPL-winning franchise shared a clip that starts with a popular Tamil song featuring a Malayalam verse, which appears to refer to chatter around Sanju Samson's trade. It ends with Kasi Viswanathan requesting fans and followers of the franchise not to believe in trade rumours until such deals, if any, are made official by the CSK.
"Trade rumours are subject to mental health risks. Wait till the official announcement for sanity," CSK said.
There are chances that CSK will be unlikely to make big changes in their squad despite a forgetful campaign in the last edition of the tournament, where they ended last.
Will MS Dhoni feature in IPL 2026?
Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanath told Sports Tak that the legendary wicketkeeper batter MS Dhoni will feature in the 19th edition of the cash-rich league.
“We are very confident that he (Mahi) will be available and play for us," Viswanathan told India Today.
When will franchises announce their retention list for IPL 2026?
The broadcaster announced that all Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises will announce their lists of retained and released players on November 15.
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