Ravindra Jadeja left Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after 13 long years to return to his first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals ahead of the upcoming season in a high-profile trade. As a part of the trade between CSK and Rajasthan Royals, English all-rounder Sam Curran will accompany Jadeja while Sanju Samson joined the Chennai-based franchise for the first time in his career.

Speculations were rife for the past few days that Jadeja and Samson might swap teams. It is worth mentioning that since head coach Rahul Dravid left Rajasthan Royals, Samson too didn’t go well with the management. The speculations finally came true on Saturday morning.

While Samson joined CSK on his existing fee of ₹18 crore, Jadeja took a pay cut of ₹4 crore to join Rajasthan Royals on a league fee of ₹14 crore. For the unknown, Jadeja began his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and won the title in the inaugural year. He joined CSK in 2012.

Why Ravindra Jadeja left CSK?

But what actually led to Jadeja’s ouster from CSK after more than a decade? CEO Kasi Viswanathan threw light on Jadeja’s exit, stating it was one of the toughest decisions for the franchise to let go the all-rounder.

“Considering the transition of the CSK at this point of time, the team management took the toughest decision. It was probably one of the toughest decisions the CSK had to take, as team management had to take,” Viswanathan said in a video shared by the five-time champions.

“It is a must that we should consult the players concerned, and it was after mutual agreement that we undertook this. See, when I spoke to Jadeja, he was also very clear that if there is an opportunity for him, because he also felt that he is at the far end of his career in white ball, he can also have a break,” added Viswanathan.

Coming back to RR feels special: Ravindra Jadeja

Ever since Jadeja joined CSK, he has been MS Dhoni’s go-to man. In 185 matches for the Chennai-based franchise, Jadeja has scored over 2000 runs and took 140-plus wickets. He was also a part of CSK’s title-winning campaigns in 2018, 2021 and 2023.

“Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory,” said Jadeja after his homecoming to Rajasthan Royals was confirmed. “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,” added the star all-rounder.