Ravindra Jadeja Set to Rejoin Rajasthan Royals, Could Lead RR as Part of Mega IPL Trade: Report

In what could be one of the biggest transfers in recent IPL history, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is reportedly on the verge of returning to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) - the franchise where his IPL journey began in 2008.

According to a report by News18 CricketNext, the move is expected to include a captaincy offer for Jadeja, as part of a blockbuster trade that would send Sanju Samson in the opposite direction to CSK.

Sources close to developments suggest that Jadeja, 37, is eager to take on a leadership role in the twilight of his career. Rajasthan, too, appears keen to utilise his experience to stabilise a squad built largely around young talents like Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Parag, who led RR in Samson's absence last season, remains a strong candidate, but the management reportedly believes Jadeja's presence could bring balance and maturity to the dressing room.

Meanwhile, Samson's potential move to CSK adds another intriguing twist. Although he is seen as a natural successor to MS Dhoni, the franchise is expected to stick with Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain for now. Samson, however, would inject much-needed firepower and consistency into CSK's top order after their disappointing 2025 campaign, where they finished at the bottom of the table.

The trade is said to include England all-rounder Sam Curran moving to Rajasthan as well, making it a multi-player deal of significant proportions.

For Jadeja, it would be a homecoming of sorts - returning to the team where he made his IPL debut and later rose to prominence before joining CSK in 2012. Over 13 seasons with Chennai, he amassed 2198 runs and 143 wickets, helping the franchise win three titles.

All ten IPL teams are expected to finalise their retentions by November 15, ahead of the mini-auction in December, where this high-profile trade could officially be announced.