"It's home.." Ravindra Jadeja finally reacts on returning to Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals roped in Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran through a trade deal with CSK ahead of IPL 2026 auction.

On Saturday, November 15, Rajasthan Royals (RR) confirmed that premier Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has joined their squad ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The all-rounder was ecstatic to be part of the franchise, where he started his IPL journey and won his first title in 2008.

In one of the biggest trade deals ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction, RR roped in Jadeja and Sam Curran from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after they traded Sanju Samson. Jadeja, who got INR 18 crores at CSK, faced the pay cut as he will be getting INR 14 crores at RR, while Curran will join at his existing fees of Rs. 2.4 crores.

For the last few days, reports of Jadeja-Sanju swap was one of the hottest talking points among Indian cricket fans. According to some reports, RR had initially asked for Dewald Brevis from CSK along with Jadeja but the latter denied the request, and both sides eventually agreed with Curran and Jadeja in exchange for Samson.

Coming back feels special- Ravindra Jadeja after joining RR

After joining RR, Jadeja said that it was a special feeling for him to return to the team with which he won his first IPL trophy. Notably, Jadeja played for RR in his first two seasons in 2008 and 2009. He was part of the Shane Warne-led side that won the inaugural edition in 2008.

“Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory. Coming back feels special – it’s not just a team for me, it’s home. Rajasthan Royals is where I won my first IPL, and I hope to win more with this current group of players,” Jadeja said in RR’s official statement.

Kumar Sangakkara, who is at the helm of things at RR, welcomed Jadeja to the team, saying that his addition will add immense value to the squad.

“Jadeja coming back to the Royals is incredibly special for all of us. He understands the franchise and the fans, having been part of RR’s IPL-winning campaign. Over the years, he has grown into a player who can influence the game in every department. His experience, composure, and competitive edge will add immense value to our group,” Sangakkara said in the official statement released by RR.

Meanwhile, some reports have suggested that Jadeja has asked for RR’s captaincy as part of the trade deal. It remains to be seen if RR will offer him the captaincy for the next season. After Samson’s ouster, they will need a new face to lead the side. However, they also have the option of Riyan Parag, who led the side in IPL 2025 when Samson was injured.

Notably, all the 10 IPL teams are set to announce their list of retained and released players on November 15, which was the deadline set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

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