Shami to LSG, Samson to CSK in Major IPL 2026 Trade Movements

Two of the biggest pre-auction transfers of the season have been confirmed ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, with senior pacer Mohammed Shami being traded to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), while Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has been moved to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in one of the most high-profile swaps in league history.

It was announced by the IPL that Shami, who was bought by SRH for ₹10 crore ahead of the 2025 season, was traded to LSG at the same fee. The veteran pacer’s inclusion is expected to strengthen Lucknow’s bowling attack, especially with his vast experience across multiple franchises. Over the course of his IPL career, Shami has represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and SRH, taking 133 wickets in 119 matches at an average of 28.18, with best figures of 4/11.

A significant highlight of Shami’s career came during Gujarat Titans’ campaigns, when he took 28 wickets in 17 matches in 2023 to earn the Purple Cap, and followed it with 20 wickets in the franchise’s title-winning run in 2022. Although he missed the 2024 season due to injury, his current domestic form has been impressive, with 15 wickets in three Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal this season. His most recent appearance for India was in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where he took nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul.

His stint with SRH in 2025, however, was marked by a decline in returns, with only six wickets from the season at an economy rate of 11.23. A fresh start with LSG is expected to help the bowler revive his IPL form as he pursues a path back into the national side.

Meanwhile, RR’s long-serving leader Sanju Samson has been traded to CSK, with Rajasthan receiving star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and English all-rounder Sam Curran in return. The swap has been regarded as one of the most dramatic trade developments in IPL history, given Samson’s decade-long association with RR and Jadeja’s celebrated career with CSK.

A heartfelt farewell message was posted by Samson on social media, where he expressed gratitude to the Rajasthan franchise, stating that he had given his all to the team and had built lifelong relationships during his time there. He added that it was time for him to move on, while promising to remain thankful for the support he received.

The trades are being viewed as strategic shifts for all three franchises. CSK are expected to rebuild around Samson as a long-term batting pillar and potential leader, while RR will benefit from Jadeja’s experience and Curran’s versatility. LSG, on the other hand, will be strengthened by the addition of a proven Indian fast bowler.

Both moves have added significant momentum to the IPL 2026 trade window, setting the stage for an active auction season as teams reshuffle ahead of the new campaign.