IPL 2026: R Ashwin blames Ravindra Jadeja's Dhoni-like approach for RR's loss against DC

Riyan Parag-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) failed to defend 226 runs against Axar Patel's Delhi Capitals (DC) in their IPL 2026 clash which was played on Friday, May 1 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Despite posting a big total, RR bowlers failed to defend it.

Ravichandran Ashwin calls out Jadeja's Dhoni-like mindset

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has blamed Ravindra Jadeja for the loss against DC, calling out his similar approach to MS Dhoni while batting in the middle overs.

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The left-arm spin all-rounder was promoted in the batting order after the top-order collapse to create an impact with the bat, but was removed from the crease after scoring only 20 runs off 14 balls.

On his official YouTube Channel, Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that several people have urged Jadeja to show more intent against spinners, but he has never listened to them. Ashwin further claimed this has been a key factor behind the Indian team leaning towards Axar Patel in the middle overs.

"Many people, including coaches, have spoken to Ravindra Jadeja about taking on spinners more aggressively, but he is not listening. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, whenever India needed a left-hander up the order, they chose Axar Patel over the more experienced Jadeja. The reason is simple: Axar doesn’t hesitate. He takes on spinners and every other bowler with confidence,” said Ashwin.

While speaking further, Ashwin said that MS Dhoni had a big influence on Jadeja's batting style as both prefer to attack pacers in the slog overs, which is outdated in modern T20 cricket.

"This mindset of Ravindra Jadeja is similar to MS Dhoni, with whom he has shared many years in the Indian team. Both prefer to take the game deep and target the pacers.”

Ravindra Jadeja's underwhelming show in IPL 2026

Ravindra Jadeja's lukewarm display with the bat is becoming a big concern for the RR team management, as the left-arm spin all-rounder has managed to score just 152 runs in 10 at an average of 50.67 with an underwhelming strike rate of 129.91.

With the ball, Jadeja has not been leaking runs but clinched only seven wickets at an economy of 7.73 and a bowling average of 24.29. His best bowling figures of 2/8 came against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).