Shami and Curran at Centre of Multi-Player Trade Talks Between Royals and LSG

Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants remain in discussions over a potential multi-player trade involving Mohammed Shami and Sam Curran, with negotiations continuing more than a week after the talks first emerged.

The players involved have been sounded out, though the paperwork is yet to be completed. If the deal proceeds, it is unlikely to be a straightforward one-for-one exchange. Manimaran Siddharth, the left-arm spinner currently with LSG, is understood to be part of the proposed arrangement and could move to the Royals. The 28-year-old Tamil Nadu cricketer, acquired for ₹75 lakh, has played nine IPL games, all for LSG, taking nine wickets, including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli in 2024.

Both Mohammed Shami and Curran were traded ahead of the previous season. Sam Curran moved from Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals in the exchange that also saw Ravindra Jadeja join the Royals and Sanju Samson move to CSK.

Unfinished Business

Curran’s situation carries complications beyond the mechanics of the swap. He did not feature in the IPL last season, citing injury, and his subsequent appearances for his county side in England drew criticism from Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, who questioned the all-rounder’s unavailability for the franchise.

CSK had acquired Curran for ₹2.4 crore before trading him to RR at the same price. He is understood to be seeking a revised fee as part of the proposed move, a factor that could be holding up the negotiations. Curran has been in good form in T20 cricket and shares a close relationship with Tom Moody, LSG’s Director of Cricket, having played under him for Oval Invincibles and Desert Vipers.

Jaiswal Talks Stall

The franchises have also discussed a potential trade involving Yashasvi Jaiswal, though no concrete agreement has been reached. The Royals are believed to have sought another India pacer in return, but the proposal has not found acceptance from LSG. Rajasthan are understood to have other options should they decide to trade Jaiswal, with multiple franchises having expressed interest in the India opener.

The talks reflect the wider churn in IPL squads ahead of the auction, with franchises weighing immediate needs against the value of retaining established names. For now, nothing is finalised. The players have been informed, the structures of a deal have been sketched, but the signature is yet to follow.

                                               

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