IPL 2026: "Sir Ravindra Jadeja has to be there"- Suresh Raina warns CSK not to release all-rounder amidst trade reports

Ravindra Jadeja has won the IPL with CSK in 2018, 2021, and 2023.

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Suresh Raina has weighed in on star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja amidst reports of a potential trade with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), who have asked for Jadeja to trade Sanju Samson to them ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction.

According to reports, CSK are in talks to sign Sanju Samson, which would provide them a reliable middle-order presence going forward, in addition to a long-term wicket-keeping option.

Samson has played for the RR for 11 seasons and has been the team’s captain since 2021. However, the Royals captain has become a top target as CSK look for an MS Dhoni replacement and a solid Indian batting core.

Speaking to PTI, a senior CSK official stated that the team has formally stated its intention to pursue the Royals skipper during the trading window.

“Everyone knows we are interested in getting Sanju. We have expressed our interest in procuring him in this trading window. RR is yet to confirm, as their management said they are weighing the options. We are hopeful Sanju will play for CSK,” the official said.

If the move goes through, it could become one of the biggest trades in league history.

Suresh Raina says CSK should retain Ravindra Jadeja for IPL 2026 amidst trade talks with RR

Ravindra Jadeja last played for RR in IPL 2009 and had won the IPL with them in 2008. He was groomed into one of the best all-rounders in the world by RR coach and captain Shane Warne and went on to represent CSK from 2012 to present, barring the two seasons the franchise was suspended from the league.

Meanwhile, Suresh Raina, one of the CSK legends and ex-captain, has urged the franchise to retain the Saurashtra all-rounder, who played a huge role in them winning their last IPL title in the 2023 season.

When asked who he thought CSK should hang onto before the 2026 season, Suresh Raina was unambiguous. Raina offered his support behind MS Dhoni, stating that he is confident the 44-year-old will play in the IPL again the following year.

“MS Dhoni should definitely be retained; he is playing this year, so he should remain with the team. Ruturaj Gaikwad should continue as captain. Ravindra Jadeja should be retained again. He is a gun player for CSK. He has done really, really well for the team over the years, so ‘Sir Ravindra Jadeja’ has to be there,” Raina said on JioHotstar.

All 10 teams will announce their list of retained and released players on the retention deadline day—November 15.

Raina’s statement makes it apparent that, in his opinion, Ravindra Jadeja is still non-negotiable, despite the rumors that are circulating on social media. By highlighting the all-rounder’s contributions, he presents Jadeja as an integral element of CSK’s culture rather than just their on-field tactics.

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