Ravindra Jadeja, the Indian all-rounder, has finally spoken up about his departure from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – a decision that divided the fanbase and created a lot of rumors around IPL 2026. Jadeja’s transfer to the Royals was done in a blockbuster deal, thus marking the closure of his great innings with the Super Kings franchise in the IPL.
But the all-rounder said that he was a bit back to where it all started. The big reason behind the move is that Jadeja sees the Rajasthan Royals as the team that helped him build his confidence and his first experience of winning a championship. This was a must for the former CSK captain and he reiterated that it was just a return to a place that still feels homely.
Ravindra Jadeja shares his feelings about the CSK exit
While at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Jadeja, who is a participant in the ongoing first Test match between India and South Africa, also assured that he would be creating new memories and also winning more trophies with the Royals in the rest of the IPL season.
Ravindra mentioned in a statement that was then reported by Cricbuzz: “Rajasthan Royals has provided me with my first platform and my first victory experience. It’s great to return – for me it’s not a team, but a family. Rajasthan Royals is the team where I got my first IPL, and I want more to come with this current players’ group.”
All of us feel Ravindra Jadeja returning to the Royals is very special: Kumar Sangakkara
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara has indeed welcome Jadeja anew and he has also shared how the franchise considers this reunion as a special a great deal. The Sri Lankan legend thinks that Jadeja’s experience, skill and composure will greatly benefit RR.
Kumar Sangakkara expressed, “Royals’ return of Jadeja is very, very special for all of us. Being part of RR’s IPL-winning campaign, he understands the franchise and the fans. He has matured into a player who can affect the outcome of the game in every department over the years. The combination of experience, composure and competitiveness will be crucial in our quest for the title.”
Kumar Sangakkara brings Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals hoping to bring balance
Sangakkara also emphasized Sam Curran’s role, referring to the England star’s bold manner and overall capability as the ideal factor for RR’s balance. With Jadeja and Curran in one place, Sangakkara is of the opinion that the Royals are forming a team ambitious enough to meet any challenge in the next season.
He concluded with the words, “Sam adds a different yet equally vital aspect. He is devoid of fear and easily adjustable and he survives in high-pressure situations with bat and ball. The combination of Jadeja and Sam provides us with balance, leadership, and the kind of match-winning depth we need and are working for in the future.”
Jadeja was notably coming back to Rajasthan Royals with a new IPL fee, with his salary going down from INR 18 crore to INR 14 crore for the next season. On the contrary, Sanju Samson’s salary will remain at a huge INR 18 crore after his transfer to CSK, while Curran’s fee of INR 2.4 crore—the same as that of the five-time IPL champions—is what he will be getting from RR.
Jadeja started his IPL career with RR at the young age of 19 in 2008 when he played 27 matches for RR in two seasons. The Indian all-rounder made 430 runs and took six wickets in his previous stint with the team.