'Right now, I am at a stage...': Ravindra Jadeja reacts for first time after being traded from CSK to RR ahead of IPL 2026

In a perfect homecoming, Ravindra Jadeja will once again don the Rajasthan Royals' jersey in the IPL 2026, marking a significant return to the franchise after a fifteen-year period. For Jadeja, this transfer represents a complete full circle moment, as the Royals were the team where his Indian Premier League (IPL) journey first began.

Ravindra Jadeja opens up on reuniting with Rajasthan Royals

For the veteran all-rounder, this move is about more than just professional obligations. By returning to the team where he made his IPL debut, he is reconnecting with the origin of his T20 career and, notably, the place where he first earned the enduring nickname that has followed him ever since.

“I am back in Rajasthan after fifteen years, so I feel good returning to the place where I started my journey and where I got the name Rockstar. I am doubly happy to come back to the same place. Right now, I am at a stage where I want to enjoy my cricket. Whoever calls me with love, from the heart and with respect — I will always like it,” Jadeja said, as quoted by India Today.

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Talking about his formative years, Jadeja expressed that he still feels the same level of excitement that initially shaped him as a young cricketer.

"When I started playing, I felt the excitement of going to the ground, practising and learning. I feel that same energy now," adding that the prospect of working with new players and a refreshed support staff is expected to be an energizing and valuable experience.

Jadeja's move back to the Rajasthan Royals was initiated by a call from co-owner Manoj Badale, which was followed up by a conversation with Kumar Sangakkara. Both informed him of the possibility of a trade, and from that moment, Jadeja described the decision as instinctive.

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He reflected on the emotional significance of the move, saying, "The first thought that came to my mind was to return to the team where my journey started, where I got my name and where I began as Ravindra Jadeja the cricketer."

List of Rajasthan Royals' retained players:

Ravindra Jadeja (from Chennai Super Kings), Sam Curran (from Chennai Super Kings), Donovan Ferreira (from Delhi Capitals), Sandeep Sharma, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger.

List of Rajasthan Royals' released players:

Sanju Samson (traded to Chennai Super Kings), Nitish Rana (traded to Delhi Capitals), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kunal Singh Rathore, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Ashok Sharma.

Purse remaining: Rs. 16.05 crore | Slots left: 9 (1 overseas)