IPL 2026's biggest trade: Life comes full circle for Jadeja if he joins RR

In what could become one of the defining moments of the IPL 2026 season, Ravindra Jadeja’s possible move from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Rajasthan Royals (RR) has set the cricket world abuzz. The proposed trade, involving wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson moving to CSK and all-rounders Jadeja and Sam Curran heading to RR, is among the most significant player swaps in the tournament’s history. For Jadeja, it’s not merely a franchise switch — it’s a homecoming of sorts. Seventeen years after he first wore the jersey of Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural IPL, the veteran all-rounder could return to the franchise where it all began, bringing his journey full circle. 

 

Talks underway between RR and CSK

As per IPL trading procedures, both franchises have reportedly submitted an expression of interest to the IPL Governing Council naming the three players involved in the possible swap — Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The next step will be to obtain written consent from all three players before entering into formal negotiations. Any agreement would then need to be approved by the Governing Council.

 

Accorrding to media reports the early talks of the trade between bboth sides have been positive. RR are interested in bringing Jadeja back as a senior all-rounder who can add stability and experience to a young squad that includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel. Moreover, RR also needs an Indian spinner in their squad to get team balance a role played by R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal in earlier seasons.   CSK view Samson as an Indian wicketkeeper-batter capable of leading the team in the future while also strengthening the middle order. 

A rare and high-profile trade

If completed, this move will be one of the most high-profile trades in IPL history. Major player exchanges involving top Indian and overseas stars are uncommon, especially when they include players who have been the face of a franchise. For CSK, parting with Jadeja would mark the end of a long and successful chapter. For RR, it would be the reunion of a player who played a key role in their title-winning campaign in 2008.

 

The discussion also shows how IPL teams have evolved into strategically managed units that take decisions based on performance cycles, player roles and salary balance rather than sentiment.

Why CSK might let Jadeja go

Ravindra Jadeja has been one of CSK’s greatest performers, but several practical factors could make this trade a logical decision. At 36, Jadeja is now one of the senior-most players in the squad. His current contract of ₹18 crore is among the highest in the league, which limits the franchise’s financial flexibility. Trading him could free up funds to strengthen multiple areas of the team.

 

In Sanju Samson, CSK would gain a proven Indian batter and a capable wicketkeeper who can play in the top order. He also offers leadership qualities that could be crucial once M S Dhoni retires.

Rumoured rift with the franchise

Another possible reason behind this development is the change in the relationship between Jadeja and CSK after the 2022 season. That year, Jadeja was appointed captain before the start of the tournament when Dhoni stepped aside. However, after a poor run of results, he stepped down midway through the season and Dhoni returned as captain.

 

While the management maintained that the decision was taken in the team’s interest, reports suggested that communication issues had emerged. Jadeja’s subsequent injury and his brief absence from CSK’s social media activity further fuelled speculation about a strained relationship. Although both sides later clarified that there was no dispute, the episode appeared to change Jadeja’s role within the team. He remained an important performer, but not the central figure in leadership discussions as before.

Jadeja’s journey across IPL teams

Scintillant start with Rajasthan Royals

 

Nineteen-year-old Ravindra Jadeja started his career in 2008 with Rajasthan Royals and played a crucial role in Rajasthan winning the inaugural season. He stayed there till the 2009 edition and played a total of 27 matches, scoring 430 runs and taking six wickets. His career faced a brief setback when he was suspended for the 2010 season for breaching contract rules.

 

IPL comeback with Kochi Tuskers Kerala

 

Ravindra Jadeja made his IPL comeback in 2011 with Kochi Tuskers Kerala. While his team failed to perform, he was one of the best performers that season with 283 runs and eight wickets in 14 matches.

 

Blockbuster move to CSK

 

Chennai Super Kings bought him in 2012 for USD 2 million, making him one of the costliest players of that auction. From that point on, Jadeja became a permanent part of CSK’s success story.

 

Stint with Gujarat Lions

 

Chennai Super Kings suffered a major setback when they were banned for two seasons in 2016 and 2017. During this time, Jadeja represented Gujarat Lions under the captaincy of his CSK teammate Suresh Raina. In those two seasons, he played 27 matches for the now-defunct Gujarat-based franchise, scoring 349 runs with the bat and taking 13 wickets with the ball.

 

Return to CSK

 

When Chennai Super Kings finally returned to the IPL in 2018, Ravindra Jadeja was one of three players they retained from their previous squad, alongside skipper MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina. He has since been part of the CSK set-up and was retained during the 2022 and 2025 mega auctions.

A decade of excellence with CSK

Over his 13 seasons with CSK, Jadeja has been a crucial contributor in all departments. He has played 254 IPL matches, scored more than 3,200 runs and taken 143 wickets. He is CSK’s highest wicket-taker and shares the record for the most Player-of-the-Match awards (16) alongside Dhoni.

 

Jadeja’s performances have often defined CSK’s success. His last-over heroics against Gujarat Titans in the 2023 final remain one of the most memorable moments in IPL history. In the 2025 season, he once again delivered with both bat and ball, scoring 301 runs and taking 20 wickets. Few players have shown such consistency and impact for a single franchise.  Ravindra Jadeja IPL stats:  Batting: 

Year	Mat	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100	50	4s	6s
Career	254	3260	77*	27.86	130.24	0	5	240	117
2025	14	301	77*	33.44	135.59	0	2	25	10
2024	14	267	57*	44.5	142.78	0	1	22	8
2023	16	190	25*	23.75	142.86	0	0	11	9
2022	10	116	26*	19.33	118.37	0	0	6	5
2021	16	227	62*	75.66	145.51	0	1	19	9
2020	14	232	50	46.4	171.85	0	1	22	11
2019	16	106	31*	35.33	120.45	0	0	7	4
2018	16	89	27*	17.8	120.27	0	0	3	4
2017	12	158	28	39.5	139.82	0	0	13	4
2016	15	191	36*	21.22	107.3	0	0	14	4
2015	17	132	24	18.85	104.76	0	0	7	3
2014	16	146	36*	29.2	132.72	0	0	9	5
2013	18	201	38*	25.12	148.88	0	0	17	6
2012	19	191	48	15.91	126.49	0	0	13	9
2011	14	283	47	31.44	124.12	0	0	20	14
2009	13	295	42	26.81	110.9	0	0	21	6
2008	14	135	36*	19.28	131.06	0	0	11	6

  Bowling: 

Year	Mat	WKTS	BBM	Ave	Econ	4W	5W
Career	254	170	5/16	30.52	7.67	3	1
2025	14	10	2/17	32.4	8.56	0	0
2024	14	8	3/18	46.13	7.85	0	0
2023	16	20	3/20	21.55	7.56	0	0
2022	10	5	3/39	49.6	7.52	0	0
2021	16	13	3/13	26.61	7.06	0	0
2020	14	6	2/42	53	8.75	0	0
2019	16	15	3/9	22.86	6.35	0	0
2018	16	11	3/18	27.54	7.39	0	0
2017	12	5	2/28	69.8	9.18	0	0
2016	15	8	2/18	38.87	7.74	0	0
2015	17	11	4/11	30	7.73	1	0
2014	16	19	4/12	23.31	8.15	2	0
2013	18	13	3/20	24.84	7.48	0	0
2012	19	12	5/16	22.75	7.8	0	1
2011	14	8	2/25	38.12	7.26	0	0
2009	13	6	3/15	25.16	6.47	0	0
2008	14	0	0/0	-	9.69	0	0

The emotional undercurrent: Full circle for Jadeja

If the trade goes through, Jadeja’s journey would be one of the rarest full-circle stories in IPL history. From being a raw talent discovered by Shane Warne to becoming one of the most decorated Indian T20 cricketers, his career embodies perseverance and adaptability. Returning to the team that launched him would be a poetic moment — not of regression, but of rediscovery.

 

For Jadeja, who once lifted the trophy with RR as a teenager, the move could also offer a sense of closure. The franchise that gave him his first platform may now give him his final stage as a senior statesman, capable of guiding the next generation while still contributing at the highest level.