Former India crickketer Ravichandran Ashwin feels that Ravindra Jadeja will be a vital signing for Rajasthan Royals (RR) if they manage to pull off the trade with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who want Sanju Samson in exchange. To prove his claim, Ashwin pointed out how Jadeja has taken a total of 38 wickets for CSK in the last three seasons and has also contributed well with the bat, striking the ball over a rate of 150 against the pacers.
Ashwin also feels that Jadeja will be able to benefit out of the Jaipur pitch when it comes to the batting department as it is a track with next to no movement. He further remarked that it will be a great option for the all-rounder to move to RR as he had began his IPL career with the franchise back in the inaugural 2007/08 season.
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“In the last three years, what has Jadeja done for the CSK? Of course, he is a World Cup winner. He helped the team win the IPL through his fantastic batting in the IPL 2023 final. We need to look at stats, CSK in Chennai have always had a finger spinner operate in the middle, and that has been Jadeja. In the last three years, Jadeja has taken 38 wickets in 44 games, with an economy rate of 7.9,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“With his batting, he is still one of the best finishers going around. He is striking over 150 against fast bowlers and less against spin. He is doing a fine job as the finisher. Keeping this in mind, the trade is going to be amazing news for the Rajasthan Royals. Jadeja gives them finishing skills as a left-hander. Jaipur will suit him because there is no lateral movement there. Jadeja is no small player for CSK. This is not something CSK have done in the past. You have to speak to the player. It is a good option for Jadeja; he can get to finish his IPL career where he began," he added.
Ashwin feels Samson won't get captaincy in CSK
Ashwin then highlightred how the deal will also benefit CSK as they have been in search of a quality wicketkeeper-batter for quite some time now. He further mentioned that the Chennai-based franchise will have a lot of purse remaining as they head into the auction and predicted them to go after Australia all-rounder Cameron Green. Finally, he also opined that Samson won't be given the captaincy in his first-ever season with CSK and Ruturaj Gaikwad will most likely continue to lead the team.
“If, along with Jadeja, Sam Curran also goes, he gives them the vital fast-bowling option, and along with this great batting form, it is going to be a phenomenal deal for Rajasthan. CSK also benefit by bringing Samson in. They will also have a lot of money going into the auction, and they get the option of buying Cameron Green,” Ashwin stated.
“But where will they get the spinner from? Will Cameron Green be able to finish off games? Will CSK look after Ben Stokes too? Only time will tell. I don't think Sanju will be given the captaincy because it would be his first season there. I think Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue, but he will definitely be an option going ahead,” he further added.
Samson-Jadeja deal reportedly in advanced stages
Meanwhile, though nothing is final as of yet when it comes toi the Samson-Jadeja trade, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo, both the teams are in advanced talks and are looking to complete the deal before the retentions are announced on November 15.