The trade market is buzzing ahead of the IPL 2025 retention deadline on November 15, with discussions between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) centering on a potential Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson swap. As previously reported by TimesofIndia.com, RR initially reached out to CSK for a possible deal involving Jadeja, but talks stalled as the Royals were simultaneously negotiating a separate deal with Delhi Capitals involving Samson and Tristan Stubbs. When the Delhi deal fell through – mainly due to disagreements over RR’s demand for uncapped player Sameer Rizvi – the Royals reopened discussions with CSK. Sources suggest that the conversation is not limited to an outright Jadeja–Samson swap as RR have also shown interest in another CSK player, possibly Matheesha Pathiran or Sam Curran.
“Jadeja never worked out in the gym!”: Former IND strength and conditioning coach Ramji Srinivasan
But amidst all the business chatter, one question stands out – why was Ravindra Jadeja released by Rajasthan Royals? The story goes back to 2010, when Jadeja, after two successful seasons with RR, including a title win in 2008, was banned by the IPL governing body for one year for trying to negotiate a move to Mumbai Indians without informing his franchise. Afterwards, IPL chief Lalit Modi said, “The IPL Governing Council has arrived at this decision after due deliberation after taking into consideration Ravindra Jadeja’s representation to BCCI President and another representation of Rajasthan Royals. The player guidelines set by the IPL Governing Council are sacrosanct and all players will have to strictly adhere to the same.” Jadeja served his suspension in 2010 before returning to the league in 2011 with Kochi Tuskers Kerala. A year later he was picked by the Chennai Super Kings – and the rest, as they say, is history. Now that RR has once again shown strong intent to bring him back in a potential blockbuster, Jadeja’s IPL story may be on the verge of another unexpected twist.
