The Pink City is buzzing with a renewed sense of hope Rajasthan Royals (RR) officially started their pre-season camp IPL 2026. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the first-time champions languish at the bottom of the table in 2025, the vibes in the dugout went from dark to high-octane. The change was perfectly captured in a viral moment by the franchise’s newest veteran recruit. Ravindra Jadejaand their local strike force, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Ravindra Jadeja’s epic pranks after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s big hit in training
During the Royals’ first open net session, Jaiswal didn’t bother with the sighter. Faced with precise left-arm spin from Jadeja in the first delivery, the young opener danced on the track and launched a towering maximum that cleared the strings of the practice set. The audacity of the shot left the experienced Jadeja in splits and led to hilarious exchanges that have set social media on fire ever since.
The banter between the veteran and the prodigy gave a glimpse of the camaraderie that RR is trying to build after a major squad overhaul. After watching the ball disappear, a smiling Jadeja turned to the coaching staff and quipped in Hindi: “Abhi says he is not looking forward to the night. He came after practicing in the room.” (He just said he doesn’t sleep well at night. But it’s clear he exercises in his room.)
This light-hearted moment hides a very serious intention. One of the few bright spots with 559 runs in 2025, Jaiswal looks sharper than ever. For Jadeja, the move to the Royals camp is a significant story of the 2026 season. After the blockbuster trade that saw the skipper for a long time Sanju Samson visit the Chennai Super KingsJadeja’s role as mentor and finisher is key. While the command is missing Sam Curran season-ending injury, the instant chemistry between Jadeja and the core Indian group effectively fills the leadership void.
We present the video:
Also READ: Ravindra Jadeja vs Vaibhav Suryavanshi: WATCH – Who wins RR’s IPL 2026 practice clash?
Rajasthan Royals tactical change for IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals don’t just rely on viral moments; their strategy for 2026 aims to close the gap. In 2025, the team lost five matches by less than 10 runs or in the final. By bringing in the experience and guile of Jadeja Ravi Bishnoimanagement wants to provide their heavyweight batsmen with a more disciplined bowling pad.
However, the X factor remains youth. With Jaiswal providing stability, all eyes are on the 14-year-old phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Entering his sophomore season, Sooryavanshi is no longer a hidden gem but a remarkable individual. After smashing a 35-ball century last year – the fastest by an Indian in IPL history – his partnership with Jaiswal at the top of the order is arguably the most explosive opening pair of the tournament.
If the practice sessions are any indication, the Royals are playing with nothing to lose his freedom. With Jaiswal hitting sixes in his sleep (literally, according to Jadeja) and a revamped bowling attack, Rajasthan could be a dark horse to watch when the 2026 season officially begins.
Also READ: ‘Ravindra Jadeja at No. 4, No Sam Curran’: Suresh Raina predicts Rajasthan Royals’ 11th for IPL 2026
