Ravindra Jadeja Excited To Play With Rajasthan Royals Youngsters In IPL 2026 After 17-Year Gap

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Ravindra Jadeja, who had been a vital cog in the lineup for the Chennai Super Kings, decided to trade sides with the Rajasthan Royals. After playing 12 seasons for the Lion Kings, he will be donning a new hat for the Rajasthan Royals.

Speaking at the Rajasthan Royals jersey launch before the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League, Jadeja admitted that as a senior player in the team, he is ready for a new role as the senior player in the team. The left-hand all-rounder is also interested in playing alongside youngsters like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

When asked about the long trophy drought that the franchise faced, Jadeja said, "Like a tree takes time to grow and bear fruit, the franchise took time and now has reached the full potential to win the trophies which are due." He further said to 'trust in the process'.

What Will Be Jadeja's Role In Rajasthan?

With a new franchise, the role of Ravindra Jadeja is also expected to change. Speaking about this change in role, the left-hander said, "I will give my opinions and suggestions to the team. Whatever is necessary for the betterment of the team, I am ready to do it. As a senior player, you always have to take a little more responsibility for the team. Whatever contribution you make to the team is the best, and whatever you do is always excellent."

Excited To Play With Youngsters

Speaking at the ceremony, Ravindra Jadeja also shared his excitement about playing with youngsters in the team after returning to play for the Royals.

"I wouldn't say I am playing with young players; I am playing with 'extremely young' players. As one of the senior members in the squad, it will be an exciting experience for me. It will give me the chance to interact with several new and young players. After 17 years, I am returning to play for the Royals, so in many ways this will also be a learning phase for me going forward," Jadeja added.

After representing Chennai Super Kings for 12 seasons, the veteran all-rounder is set to turn out for a different franchise this time. Notably, his salary for IPL 2026 has also seen a drop, going from ₹18 crore earlier to ₹14 crore for the upcoming season.