Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has shared his first reaction after officially moving from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The IPL governing council confirmed the high-profile trade on Saturday morning, approving the swap between Sanju Samson and Jadeja. Under the deal, Jadeja joined the Royals for ₹14 crore, while Samson moved to CSK for ₹18 crore.
The Royals also added Sam Curran to their line-up for ₹2.40 crore, bolstering their all-rounder options for the upcoming season.
Jadeja: “Rajasthan Royals Is Home for Me”
In his first official statement, Jadeja expressed joy at returning to the franchise where his IPL journey began.
“Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory. Coming back feels special; it’s not just a team for me, it’s home. Rajasthan Royals is where I won my first IPL, and I hope to win more with this current group of players.”
Jadeja played his first two IPL seasons (2008–2009) with the Royals and was famously called a “rockstar” by the late Shane Warne. His early success with RR was followed by a brief setback in 2010 when he was suspended for improper contract negotiations.
A Decade of Success at CSK
Apart from the 2016 and 2017 seasons—when CSK was banned—Jadeja has been a core part of Chennai’s team since 2012. One of his finest moments came in 2023, when he smashed the last two balls for 10 runs to help CSK win their fifth IPL title in a dramatic finish against the Gujarat Titans.
Sangakkara Praises Jadeja’s Return
RR’s Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara welcomed Jadeja back to the franchise, highlighting his impact across all departments.
“Jadeja coming back to the Royals is incredibly special for all of us. He understands the franchise and the fans, having been part of our IPL-winning campaign. Over the years, he has grown into a player who can influence the game in every department. His experience, composure, and competitive edge will add immense value to our group.”
Other Trade Movements
As part of the wider trade arrangement, the Royals released Nitish Kumar, who will now represent the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.
With over 254 IPL matches under his belt, Jadeja brings rare versatility and leadership experience—attributes the Royals hope will help them contend strongly for the title in the upcoming season.
