Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The emotions were clearly visible on Ravindra Jadeja‘s face when he took the field for Rajasthan Royals against his former team Chennai Super Kings on Monday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. The moment seemed to overwhelm Jadeja, who was seen in tears while fielding near the boundary ropes, with CSK struggling at 60/6 in the ninth over and chants of “CSK, CSK” echoing around the stadium. The cameras captured a tearful Jadeja in close frames, and the video quickly went viral.Jadeja, who was part of Rajasthan Royals’ 2008 IPL title-winning side, joined CSK in 2012 and went on to become an integral part of the MS Dhoni-led team. He played a key role in CSK’s title wins in 2018, 2021 and 2023.Ahead of the 2026 season, Jadeja returned to Rajasthan Royals through a trade deal with CSK.Facing his former team, where he spent over a decade, made the occasion an emotional one for Jadeja.He marked his return to Rajasthan Royals colours after 17 years with a double-wicket burst against CSK.
Jadeja’s figures of 2/18 helped RR tighten their grip on the game after Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger had rocked CSK early.His dismissals of impact substitute Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube proved crucial as RR bowled out the five-time champions for 127. Jadeja also gave Dube a fiery send-off during the match.RR chased down the target in just 12.1 overs.“I think pink looks good on me, I guess. I’ve known Shivam Dube for a long time – I’ve bowled to him in the nets, so I understand how he approaches spinners. I was prepared for that and tried to bowl outside off, because I knew he would look to play big shots against me,” said Jadeja in a mid-innings chat with the broadcasters.
