In one of their biggest pre-auction shakedowns ever IPL 2026star comprehensive Ravindra jadeja opened his high-profile move Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Rajasthan Royals (RR). IPL IPR Haverning Board on Saturday officially confirmed that Cadej has joined RR as part of a swap deal in which RR sent the captain Sanju Samson to CSK. The transaction, valued at INR 14 crore for Shams at 18 crore, marks a significant turnaround for both teams as they take on the new season.
Ravindra Jadea shares his first reaction after returning to Rajasthan Royals
Soon after the announcement, Jadeja gave his first reaction, expressing pride and nostalgia as the Royals prepare to rock the jersey once again. The all-rounder, who returned to the franchise where his IPL journey began, held a special place in his heart.
“Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory” Jadeja, in an official statement, said that recalling the memories of the last few days and cherishing the leadership of what happened of late Shane Warne.
Jadeja added that his return to the team after 15 years felt more like a homecoming than a transfer. He said: “It feels special to be back; it’s not just a team, it’s home for me. Rajasthan Royals is where I won my first IPL and with this current group of players I will win more.”
Bolster squad with Royals Cadeja and Sam Curran
For the Royals, the trade hails the return of a player once a future star. Jadeja played his first two IPL seasons with the franchise and was popularly called a ‘rockstar’, a war that recognized his raw talent early on. Jadeja eventually blossomed into one of India’s most influential all-rounders – including a one-year postponement of his tour in 2010.
The Royals’ aggressive approach to the transfer window didn’t stop with Cadeja. The franchise also provided England comprehensively Sam Curran Strengthening an already dynamic team from CSK for INR 2.40 crore. The additions promise more balance to RR’s kit in the 2026 season, offering depth in both the batting and bowling departments.
Jadeja’s presence is expected to be a defining quality for many a CSK career, especially given his ability to contribute in pressure situations.
Read: IPL 2026 Trade: Sanju Samson moves to CSK; Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran swap to Rajasthan Royals
End of an era for Jadeja at CSK
Jadeja’s move brings an emotional chapter to a close for Super Kings fans. The 36-year-old, who joined the team in 2012, has played a key role throughout CSK’s success over a decade. Apart from two seasons when CSK was suspended, Jadeja’s pillar remained and produced several iconic moments wearing the yellow jersey.
The highlight of his CSK stint was in the 2023 final in the 2023 final, when the last two balls fell off the last two balls to seal a dramatic win over Gujarat Titans to add his name to IPL folklore.
Now, as the Royals prepare for IPL 2026, with Cadeja’s career-launching side, those questions bring both anticipation and a sense of unfinished business.
Read: IPL 2026 Photos: Devon Conway reacts after being dropped from the CSK squad
