Ravindra Jadeja is back where it all started, 17 years after making his IPL debut during the Rajasthan Royals’ first-ever championship season. After being traded from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for longtime Royals skipper Sanju Samson, the Saurashtra all-rounder completes a homecoming that started in 2008 under Shane Warne, who famously called him a “rockstar.”
After being found guilty of independently negotiating a trade agreement with another team, Jadeja was banned for the 2010 season, which momentarily halted his rise.
With the exception of the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the team was suspended, the 36-year-old has been a significant member of CSK since 2012. Jadeja was instrumental in CSK’s 2023 championship victory, scoring 10 runs off the last two balls to defeat Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
Jadeja brings a wealth of experience to the Royals, having played in 254 IPL games and fills a vital gap for the Royals. The squad now has more balance and tactical flexibility thanks to his ability to anchor the middle order, bowl tight spells, and lessen dependency on overseas players.
Jadeja is a serious candidate for captaincy, according to sources close to the team; an official announcement is anticipated in a few months.
The move represents Jadeja’s emotional homecoming to the team where his IPL career started.
“Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory,” Jadeja said in an official statement.
“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,” he added.
The addition of the all-rounder will greatly strengthen the team, according to RR’s Director of Cricket and Head Coach, Kumar Sangakkara.
“Jadeja coming back to the Royals is incredibly special for all of us. He understands the franchise and the fans, having been part of RR’s IPL-winning campaign,” said Sangakkara.
“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,” he added.
For Rs 2.40 crore, the Rajasthan Royals also acquired Sam Curran’s services from CSK.
Despite being retained at a high cost, wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, who guided the Royals to the 2022 final and the 2024 playoffs, had stated that he wanted a new beginning. As he moves to CSK, his 11-year affiliation with the Royals comes to an end.
“Sanju was with us at trials when he was just 17 years old, went on to become one of our youngest captains of RR and since then, he has been an integral part of the Royals family for more than a decade, continuing to inspire everyone around him,” said Manoj Badale, Lead Owner, Rajasthan Royals.
“His chapter with us has been one of belief, brilliance and heart. Sanju has been an exceptional ambassador of our values, and we thank him for everything he has done for the Royals family.”
