Ravindra Jadeja delivered a strong all-round performance as Rajasthan Royals cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in their Indian Premier League 2026 clash on Monday at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. The experienced all-rounder, who spent 13 years with CSK before being traded to the Royals ahead of the season, claimed two crucial wickets to help restrict the defending champions.
Jadeja dismissed Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube during his spell, finishing with impressive figures on a turning pitch. His dismissal of Dube stood out, coming shortly after the batter had smashed him for a six. Jadeja celebrated the wicket enthusiastically and gave Dube a clear send-off, an act that drew attention from observers.
In a post-match interview with the host broadcaster, Jadeja addressed the moment directly. He explained that his reaction stemmed from his deep familiarity with Dube’s approach. “I have known him for a long time. I was bowling to him in the nets. I know how he thinks and what he looks to do. I was prepared for that and tried to bowl outside off, because I knew he would look to play big shots against me,” Jadeja said.
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The left-arm spinner restricted Dube to just six runs before dismissing him, gaining the upper hand in their personal duel. Rajasthan Royals bundled out CSK for a modest 127, with Jadeja noting the sticky nature of the surface and the assistance it provided to spinners. “I felt the wicket was a bit sticky, and the ball was turning, so I really enjoyed bowling. My job was just to hit the right areas and let the pitch do the rest,” he added.
Jadeja also reflected on his new chapter with Rajasthan Royals, the franchise where he began his IPL career in 2008. Commenting on the team’s pink kit, he remarked light-heartedly, “I think pink looks good on me.” The Royals, led by Sanju Samson—who moved to CSK in the same trade that brought Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan—chased down the target comfortably. Young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a blazing knock of 52 off just 17 balls, helping the side wrap up the win with more than seven overs to spare.
Jadeja emphasised the need for constant focus in T20 cricket. “You can’t take anything for granted in cricket; no matter the target, you have to work hard, play your shots, and give your 100 per cent,” he said.
The match marked an emotional yet successful outing for the 37-year-old against his former side. Rajasthan Royals’ comprehensive victory highlighted their strong start to the IPL 2026 season, while CSK suffered an early setback under skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.