Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants Explore Multi-Player IPL Trade
Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) remain in discussions over a possible multi-player trade ahead of the next Indian Premier League season. The proposed deal is understood to involve England all-rounder Sam Curran, India fast bowler Mohammed Shami and LSG left-arm spinner Manimaran Siddharth. While the players have reportedly been approached, the franchises have yet to complete the paperwork, leaving the final shape of the agreement uncertain.
For cricket fans following the IPL trade window, the negotiations are notable not only because of the players involved, but also because the deal is unlikely to be a simple one-for-one swap. Changes to player valuations, squad balance and individual contract terms could all influence whether the discussions reach a conclusion. Until a formal announcement is made, the names and terms should be treated as part of an ongoing proposal rather than a confirmed transfer.
Why Siddharth Could Be Part of the Deal
Manimaran Siddharth is reportedly among the players being considered for a move from Lucknow to Rajasthan. The 28-year-old Tamil Nadu spinner joined LSG for INR 75 lakh and has played nine IPL matches, taking nine wickets. Though his appearances have been limited, he has shown that he can make an impact in high-profile contests. One of his notable dismissals came in 2024, when he claimed the wicket of Virat Kohli.
A left-arm spinner can offer a useful change of angle in the middle overs, particularly against right-handed batters. For Rajasthan, Siddharth could provide another option in a bowling group that needs depth across different phases of an innings. His IPL record is still developing, so any assessment of his value will need to consider both his promising moments and his relatively small sample of matches.
LSG, meanwhile, would have to weigh the benefit of retaining a young spinner against the opportunity to reshape other parts of the squad. Trades are rarely decided by a player’s statistics alone: team strategy, available replacements, budget limits and the balance of overseas and Indian players can all matter. Those considerations may help explain why the proposed arrangement involves several names rather than a direct exchange.
Curran’s Contract and Recent IPL History
Sam Curran’s situation appears to be one of the central factors in the negotiations. The England all-rounder moved to Rajasthan from Chennai Super Kings ahead of the previous season, in a wider transaction that also involved Ravindra Jadeja joining RR and Sanju Samson moving to CSK. Curran’s fee was reported at INR 2.4 crore, the same amount at which Chennai had acquired him before the trade.
Curran did not play in the IPL last season, citing injury. His later appearances for his county side in England drew criticism from Rajasthan head coach Kumar Sangakkara, who questioned why the all-rounder had been unavailable to the franchise. That history could make his next move particularly sensitive, with both the player and the prospective team likely to want clarity around fitness, availability and expectations.
Curran is understood to be seeking a revised fee as part of the proposed transfer, which may be contributing to the delay. Any change to his remuneration would need to fit within the teams’ wider financial and squad plans. The exact terms have not been made public, and there is no confirmation that Rajasthan or Lucknow has agreed to a new figure.
His current form in T20 cricket may strengthen his appeal. Curran offers more than one skill: he can contribute with the bat, bowl seam and provide flexibility in team selection. In a tournament where conditions and match-ups can change quickly, that versatility can be valuable. LSG may also see a familiar working relationship as a positive, since Curran has played under Tom Moody, the franchise’s Director of Cricket, with both the Oval Invincibles and Desert Vipers.
Could Yashasvi Jaiswal Be Included?
There has also been discussion of a possible trade involving India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, no concrete agreement has been reached, and the proposal appears separate from the more advanced talks around Curran, Shami and Siddharth. Rajasthan are reportedly interested in securing another India fast bowler, but the suggestion has not found acceptance from Lucknow so far.
Jaiswal’s potential availability would naturally attract attention across the league. As an India international and top-order batter, he would be a major asset for any franchise seeking a long-term opening option. Multiple teams are understood to have expressed interest, giving Rajasthan possible alternatives if it decides to explore a transfer. Even so, interest alone does not mean a move is likely: a player of Jaiswal’s profile would command significant value, and Rajasthan would need to be satisfied with both the return and the impact on its batting line-up.
What the Possible Trade Means for Both Teams
For Rajasthan, a deal involving Shami could address the need for experienced Indian pace bowling, while Siddharth might add spin depth. The franchise would also have to consider whether moving Curran—or potentially discussing Jaiswal—fits its broader plans. A successful trade is not simply about acquiring well-known players; it is about building a squad that can handle different venues, batting conditions and injury scenarios over a demanding season.
Lucknow’s calculations are just as complex. The Super Giants may be seeking a particular balance of pace, batting and all-round skills, but giving up players can create gaps that are difficult to fill. A trade involving several cricketers could offer both sides a way to address their needs, provided player terms and valuations align.
For now, the negotiations remain unresolved. The reported talks offer an early glimpse into how franchises assess squad needs before the next IPL campaign, but the final outcome will depend on agreement between the teams and the players involved. Until official confirmation arrives, fans looking for a trade prediction should view the proposed deal as possible—not certain. The coming days could clarify whether Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants can turn their discussions into one of the most closely watched moves of the cricket transfer window.
