Ravindra Jadeja (X-Rajasthan Royals) Jaipur: Seventeen years after his IPL debut in Rajasthan Royals’ title-winning inaugural season, Ravindra Jadeja is back where it all started. Traded from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in exchange for long-time Royals skipper Sanju Samson, the Saurashtra all-rounder completes the homecoming that began under Shane Warne in 2008. A controversial ban in 2010 after he tried to negotiate a contract outside the auction forced him to leave. Now the deal, completed after months of negotiations, ends speculation over Samson’s future.Also watch:
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The wicketkeeper-batsman, who led the Royals to the finals and play-offs in 2023, expressed his desire for a fresh start despite being retained for a hefty sum. His 11-year association with the franchise ends as he heads to CSK. For the Royals, Jadeja fills a critical void. His ability to anchor the middle order, mix tight spells and reduce reliance on overseas players gives the team a newfound balance and tactical flexibility. Sources close to the franchise confirm that Jadeja is a strong candidate for the captaincy, with an official announcement expected in a couple of months. The lead role, likely ahead of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag, is in line with Jadeja’s long-term ambitions. “Jadeja will be given the reins. An announcement will be made in January,” sources told TOI. CSK’s Jadeja is joined by Sam Curran. The Royals also completed a trade with the Delhi Capitals that saw Nitish Rana move to DC while Donovan Ferreira returns to the Royals.
