Ravindra Jadeja Reflects on His Transition from CSK to Rajasthan Royals
Jadeja's New Chapter with Rajasthan Royals
Ravindra Jadeja has shared his thoughts on departing from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after a long 13-year tenure, as he prepares for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Rajasthan Royals (RR). His first match back with the Royals was against CSK on March 30 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, where he helped his new team secure a convincing eight-wicket victory, finishing the game with 47 balls remaining. Jadeja made a significant impact by taking two wickets in his opening over, dismissing Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube, and concluded with impressive bowling figures of 2/18 in three overs. He did not get an opportunity to bat as the Royals chased down the target comfortably.
Jadeja Opens Up About Leaving CSK
Reflecting on his departure from CSK, Jadeja admitted that it was an emotional experience. He expressed that while it was tough to leave a franchise he had been with for over a decade, returning to the team where his career began made the transition smoother. He fondly recalled his early days with CSK, where he won his first IPL title shortly after the Under-19 World Cup. “I’m enjoying the pink color. The yellow was starting to feel a bit old, but I’m just joking. Leaving a franchise like CSK was initially challenging and emotional. However, I reminded myself that such changes are part of the journey. The positive aspect is that I’m back with the team where I first tasted IPL success,” Jadeja shared during an interview with Jiostar.
No Communication with MS Dhoni
When asked if he spoke with MS Dhoni before facing CSK, Jadeja mentioned that he hadn’t been able to reach him, noting that the former Indian captain is often hard to contact. Dhoni missed the match due to a calf injury. "I didn’t get a chance to talk to Mahi bhai because he keeps his phone off. But when I do meet him, we will have a lot to discuss," Jadeja said. Notably, Jadeja is among the few players to have won the IPL title with both CSK and RR, having been part of the Rajasthan team that won the inaugural season in 2008 and later contributing to CSK's victories in 2018, 2021, and 2023 under Dhoni's captaincy.