India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja marked his Rajasthan Royals (RR) homecoming with a clinical display Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a franchise where he played for 12 Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons. One of the most-talked about trades – Jadeja and Sam Curran for Sanju Samson – turned out to be fruitful for Royals as they registered a thumping eight-wicket win over five-time IPL champions. While the all-rounder struck twice in his first over and celebrated the wickets as well, he was seen getting emotional while fielding on the boundary, trying to hold back his tears.
Jadeja was introduced into the attack by skipper Riyan Parag in the eighth over of the innings. On the second ball, Sarfaraz Khan went for a sweep shot and got out lbw. Shivam Dube arrived at the crease and announced his arrival with a six. Two balls later, he went for another big shot but was caught at long-off by Ravi Bishnoi. The left-arm spinner gave him a send-off as well. He bowled three overs, conceded 18 runs and claimed two wickets.
Jadeja on getting Dube’s wicket
After CSK were bowled out for 127, Jadeja embraced the Royals’ pink jersey and also dismissing an in-form Dube who dazzled at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 stage.
“I think pink looks good on me, I guess,” Jadeja told the broadcasters during the innings break. “I’ve known Shivam Dube for a long time - I’ve bowled to him in the nets, so I understand how he approaches spinners. I was prepared for that and tried to bowl outside off, because I knew he would look to play big shots against me."
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“I felt the wicket was a bit sticky and the ball was turning, so I really enjoyed bowling - my job was just to hit the right areas and let the pitch do the rest,” he added.
Jadeja did not get to bat in the run chase as Vaibhav 15-year-old Suryavanshi scored a 15-ball half-century. His batting services maybe required when Royals take on Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 4 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.