India’s veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja marked his return to Rajasthan Royals against his former franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Jadeja was hoping to be reunited with his former captain MS Dhoni but the latter is tending to knee issues which have ruled him out of initial phase of the tournament. After RR’s thumping eight-wicket win at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, Jadeja revealed that he hasn’t reconnected with Dhoni yet.
“Baat nahi hui, kyunki Mahi bhai phone band hi rakhte hain (Did not speak with Mahi bhai as he keeps his phone off),” Jadeja told the broadcasters. “Baat nahi hui, par jab bhi main milunga Mahi bhai se toh khoob saari baatein karunga (I couldn’t speak but will do a lot when I meet Mahi bhai).”
Jadeja admits being emotional on leaving CSK
Jadeja joked about CSK colours turning a bit old for him. He admitted that he was emotional about leaving the five-time IPL-winning franchise. However, he told himself that it was part of his journey. Also, he was happy to be back at a franchise where he made his IPL debut and won the first title.
“I’m liking the pink colour. The yellow had started to feel a bit old, but I’m just joking. Obviously, leaving a franchise like CSK, where I had played for 12-13 years, was a little difficult initially. It was very emotional. But I told myself that changes like these are also part of the journey,” said Jadeja.
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“The good thing was that I’m now with the team where I had first won an IPL title. That memory has always stayed with me, that after the Under-19 World Cup, I started my IPL career there and won the title in my very first season. I have carried those memories along with a positive mindset, and my aim is to learn as much as I can with the new group and also share my experience with the team,” he added.
Jadeja on celebration after dismissing Dube
Traded to RR for Rs 14 crore, Jadeja claimed two wickets in the first over he bowled against CSK, removing new recruit Sarfaraz Khan and an in-form Shivam Dube. The left-arm spinner also opened up about his celebration.
“When I played for CSK, I used to celebrate similarly, so, it was my ‘to be continued’ moment. A batter like Dube doesn’t give you any room for error and tries to hit big shots from the first ball. That was in my mind, but my main aim was to get him out because his wicket at that time would have probably ended their hopes, given that only bowlers were to follow next and there was no other hard-hitter in the line-up,” the 37-year-old said.