'Saying Goodbye to CSK Was Emotional, But Change Is Part of the Journey': Ravindra Jadeja

New Delhi: All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja opened up about the emotional experience of facing his former team, Chennai Super Kings, for the first time after his move to Rajasthan Royals. He played a key role in RR’s dominant eight-wicket win in their IPL 2026 opener at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Monday.

This match marked a big transition, as Jadeja was part of a high-profile trade that also saw Sam Curran join RR, while Sanju Samson moved to CSK. Reflecting on the change, Jadeja admitted it wasn’t easy to leave a franchise he had been with for over a decade.

“I’m enjoying wearing pink now. The yellow was starting to feel a bit old—just kidding,” he said with a smile. “But honestly, leaving CSK after 12–13 years was tough. It was very emotional. Still, I reminded myself that change is a natural part of any journey.”

He also spoke fondly about his connection with Rajasthan, recalling how his IPL journey began with them. “This is the team where I won my first IPL title. Those memories are still fresh—from starting out after the Under-19 World Cup to winning the trophy in my debut season. I’ve carried that positivity with me, and now I just want to learn from this new group while sharing my experience.”

Jadeja made a strong impact with the ball as RR bowled CSK out for just 127, setting up an easy chase led by a fiery knock from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He credited the pitch conditions for helping his bowling.

“The wicket was a bit sticky, which suited my style. My focus was to bowl in the right areas. On surfaces like that, the ball grips and slows down, which works in a bowler’s favor. Starting the season on such a pitch really boosts confidence.”

He also shared how he adapted mid-over after being hit for a six. “Initially, I was aiming at the stumps, hoping for a mistake. But after getting hit, I switched to bowling wider. That way, the batter couldn’t free his arms easily. It worked—I got the breakthrough we needed.”

One of the turning points was his dismissal of Shivam Dube, a dangerous hitter who could have changed the game. Jadeja explained both the strategy and his animated celebration.

“I used to celebrate like that at CSK too—it was kind of a ‘to be continued’ moment,” he said. “Dube is the kind of batter who attacks from ball one, so I knew I had to be precise. Getting him out at that stage was crucial, especially since there weren’t many big hitters left after him.”

Jadeja’s all-round performance, along with RR’s clinical display, gave the team a perfect start to their IPL 2026 campaign—making a strong statement against a side filled with familiar faces.
 

With inputs from IANS