Ravindra Jadeja’s FIRST reaction after being traded from CSK to RR: ‘Coming back feels…’

Experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who arrived from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a key player swap ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline, said he hopes to achieve greater success with the current crop of players.

For Jadeja, getting traded to RR marks an emotional homecoming for him. He was one of the brightest young talents during the franchise’s title run in 2008 under the captaincy of Shane Warne. After 17 years, Jadeja returns to RR as one of the most successful all-rounders in cricket

“Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory,” Jadeja said. “It feels special to be back – this is not just a team for me, this is my home. Rajasthan Royals is where I won my first IPL and I hope to win many more with the current crop of players,” the all-rounder, who joined RR for Rs 14 crore, said in a statement released by the franchise on Saturday.

Jadeja was CSK’s mainstay since 2012, except for the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the franchise was suspended. He was given the captain’s job in 2022 but gave up the role midway through the season and handed the job back to MS Dhoni after the team got off to a poor start.

Joining Jadeja at RR from CSK is England all-round bowler Sam Curran, whose current fee is Rs 2.4 million. RR is Curran’s third team after CSK and Punjab Kings (PBKS).

“Jadeja’s return is extremely special for everyone associated with the Royals. He was part of our founding years and it’s incredibly meaningful to now have him back as one of the game’s most complete players.”

“Alongside the addition of Sam Curran, whose competitiveness and all-round quality strengthens our group, this marks a new and exciting era for the series,” said RR principal owner Manoj Badale.

RR’s Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara welcomed the signing of Jadeja and Curran into the team. “Jadeja coming back to the Royals is incredibly special for all of us. He understands the franchise and the fans as he was part of RR’s IPL winning campaign. Over the years he has developed into a player who can impact the game in every department.”

“His experience, composure and competitive edge will add tremendous value to our group. Sam brings a different but equally important dimension. He is fearless, adaptable and thrives in pressure situations with both bat and ball. Jadeja and Sam together give us the balance, leadership and the kind of match-winning depth we want as we build for the future,” he said.

With the arrival of Jadeja and Curran, wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, who spent 11 years with RR, has now moved to CSK. Samson had signaled that he wanted a change after the 2025 IPL and wanted to be released by the team.

“Sanju’s journey with the Royals has been extraordinary. I have seen him grow not only as a player, but also as a leader who always puts the team first and acts with calmness and integrity.”

“He has given his all to this franchise and we are deeply grateful for the role he has played in shaping our culture and standards. We respect his decision and wish him success in the next chapter of his career,” Sangakkara said.

The long-serving wicketkeeper-batsman’s decision to move to CSK for Rs 18 crore marks the end of an important chapter at RR, where he established himself as one of the most influential figures in the team.

“Sanju was with us at the trials when he was just 17 years old, he later became one of RR’s youngest captains and since then, he has been an integral part of the Royals family for over a decade and has continued to inspire everyone around him.”

“His chapter with us was about faith, intelligence and heart. Sanju was an extraordinary ambassador for our values ​​and we thank him for everything he did for the Royal family,” Badale added.

While RR have traded Nitish Rana to Delhi Capitals (DC) for a current fee of Rs 4.2 billion, wicketkeeper-batsman Donovan Ferreira from South Africa returns to the franchise after being traded by the latter for Rs 1 billion.

“Donovan brings a blend of powerful batting and game awareness. He understands our environment and suits the brand of cricket we want to play. We are delighted to have him back. We also thank Nitish for his contribution and wish him all the best,” Sangakkara said.

Ferreira’s return adds more power, flexibility and finishing power to RR’s striking options. “It’s a great feeling to be back in familiar surroundings. I had a nice chat with Kumar and I’m looking forward to playing my role for the Royals,” said Ferreira.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from IANS)