Jadeja Reflects On Emotional CSK Departure After Strong RR Debut

NEW DELHI -All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja reflected on an emotional outing against his former side, Chennai Super Kings, after playing a key role in Rajasthan Royals’ emphatic eight-wicket win in their IPL 2026 opener at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30.

Facing CSK for the first time following a high-profile trade that also involved Sam Curran moving to RR and Sanju Samson heading the other way, Jadeja admitted the transition had not been easy.

“I’m liking the pink color. The yellow had started to feel a bit old, but I’m just joking. Obviously, leaving a franchise like CSK, where I had played for 12-13 years, was a little difficult initially. It was very emotional. But I told myself that changes like these are also part of the journey. The good thing was that I’m now with the team where I had first won an IPL title,” Jadeja said.

“That memory has always stayed with me, that after the Under-19 World Cup, I started my IPL career there and won the title in my very first season. I have carried those memories along with a positive mindset, and my aim is to learn as much as I can with the new group and also share my experience with the team,” he added.

A key moment in the innings was his dismissal of Shivam Dube, a known power-hitter who could have shifted momentum. Jadeja also explained the thinking behind his animated celebration after the wicket. “When I played for CSK, I used to celebrate similarly, so it was my ‘to be continued’ moment,” he said.

Jadeja’s all-round display, coupled with RR’s clinical performance, marked a strong start for the franchise as they opened their IPL 2026 campaign with a statement victory over their former stalwarts’ side. (IANS)