Sanju Samson Reacts to CSK Rumours for IPL 2026 After Ashwin Jokes About ‘Trading Himself’ Amid RR Exit Talk

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, known for his sharp cricketing mind and trademark deadpan humour, has once again shown why he's one of the most entertaining voices in the game. In a teaser for the latest episode of ‘Kutti Stories with Ash’, the veteran off-spinner took a cheeky dig at Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson—sparking fresh buzz around the IPL trade rumour mill.

The clip begins with Ashwin catching up with Samson in Kerala, but the friendly greeting soon gives way to a playful jab at the speculation swirling around both their futures. Flashing his signature smirk, Ashwin says:

> “I have a lot of questions to ask. But before that, I thought I'll come directly and trade myself. I am happy to stay back in Kerala. There are a lot of rumours going on. Neither do I know of anything. So, I thought I'll reach out to you and ask you. If I can stay back in Kerala and you can travel back to Chennai.”

The remark sent Samson into fits of laughter, forcing him to cover his face to keep it together. Fans, however, were quick to read between the lines. While the moment was played for laughs, it seemed to echo some of the recent chatter around both players' IPL futures.

Whispers in the cricket world suggest that Samson may be unhappy with how things are going at Rajasthan Royals and could be exploring options elsewhere. On the flip side, Ashwin—who was part of the Royals setup until 2024—made a high-profile return to Chennai Super Kings at the 2025 auction, picked up for ₹9.75 crore. Though his on-field numbers were modest—seven wickets in nine matches—his role off the field has been just as crucial, serving as Director of Operations at the CSK Academy. But with reports indicating he might step down from that role, fans are wondering if a new chapter is around the corner.

The viral clip hits the sweet spot of humour and intrigue, something Ashwin has mastered over the years. His ability to fuse insight with tongue-in-cheek commentary adds an extra layer to what’s already shaping up to be one of the most eventful IPL transfer windows in recent memory.

Nothing is official yet—but if there’s one thing Ashwin has made clear, it’s that when the cricketing plot thickens, he’s never content being just a bystander.