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Ravindra Jadeja was emotional at first after leaving CSK, but now winks at RR move: ‘Pink looks good, Yellow became old’

Ravindra Jadeja also opened up on the emotions behind his move away from CSK, reflecting on the transition and what returning to RR meant for him.

Updated on: Mar 31, 2026, 10:57:33 IST
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Veteran India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made a high-profile return to his former franchise, Rajasthan Royals, in a trade deal that saw Chennai Super Kings bring in Sanju Samson while parting ways with Sam Curran. The move marked a significant shift for both sides, given Jadeja’s long association with CSK, where he played a key role in several memorable wins, including the 2023 IPL final against Gujarat Titans. Facing his old team for the first time since the switch, Jadeja made an immediate impact. He struck twice with the ball, removing Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube at crucial moments. His dismissal of Dube stood out, not just for its timing but also for the fiery send-off that followed, adding extra edge to an already charged contest.

Ravindra Jadeja did make a big impact on his encounter against CSK after making the big move. (ANI Pic Service)
Ravindra Jadeja did make a big impact on his encounter against CSK after making the big move. (ANI Pic Service)

After the match, Jadeja talked about the big move and cheekily said, "The pink colour looks good; the yellow one has become a bit old."

Meanwhile, Jadeja also opened up on the emotions behind his move away from CSK, reflecting on the transition and what returning to RR meant for him at this stage of his career.

“At first it was a bit difficult because I played for CSK for 12-13 years, so it was an emotional time. But I thought of it as part of the journey. The good thing was that I was going to the same team where I won my first IPL title. Those memories were always with me. I was going there to learn with a new group and share my experience with them," Jadeja told broadcasters.

"When asked whether he had a chat with his former skipper, MS Dhoni, when the schedule was out, he replied, “No, I didn’t speak to him. Mahi bhai keeps his phone switched off anyway. Whenever I meet Mahi bhai, I’ll talk a lot with him," he said.

Also Read - Michael Hussey tips his hat to Ravindra Jadeja; calls him a wily character as he haunts CSK, wins battle vs Shivam Dube

Jadeja was part of three IPL-winning CSK squads – in 2018, 2021 and 2023. He took over 150 wickets for them and scored over 2300 runs.

“A truly royal welcome”

The veteran all-rounder also spoke about the warm reception he received at Rajasthan Royals, sharing how the grand welcome and the energy within the new group made his transition even more special.

"I got a very warm welcome in the city of kings. A truly royal welcome, I really enjoyed it. The suit looked lovely, I really liked it. The way they welcomed me and the atmosphere in the team, with young players and the energy shown in training sessions, it feels very good. It’s a new group, whether batting or bowling, and I like talking and discussing with the new players about what they are thinking and what their mindset is before going into the game," he said.

  • Aditya Maheshwari
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Aditya Maheshwari

    Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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