Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja marked his return to Rajasthan Royals in style, playing a key role in their emphatic eight-wicket win over his former team Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on Monday. But beyond his match-winning spell, it was his candid remarks on MS Dhoni that stole the spotlight.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Jadeja picked up 2 for 18 in three overs, using subtle variations and turn to dismantle CSK’s middle order as the visitors were bowled out for 127. RR chased down the target in just 12.1 overs, powered by a sensational knock from teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi (52 off 17 balls).
Speaking after the match on JioHotstar, Jadeja revealed he hadn’t spoken to Dhoni ahead of facing his former side, drawing laughter with his trademark wit. “Baat nahi hui, kyunki Mahi bhai phone band hi rakhte hain [Did not speak with Mahi bhai as he keeps his phone off],” he said with a grin. “Baat nahi hui, par jab bhi main milunga Mahi bhai se toh khoob saari baatein karunga.”The light-hearted comment underlined the strong bond between the two, forged during their long stint together at CSK.Jadeja delivers on returnMaking a comeback to Royals colours after 17 years, Jadeja looked right at home. “I think pink looks good on me,” he said, reflecting on his return. His key strikes — including Shivam Dube and Sarfaraz Khan — tilted the contest firmly in RR’s favour.“I’ve known Shivam Dube for a long time… I knew he would look to play big shots, so I tried to bowl outside off,” Jadeja explained, highlighting his planning.He also relished the conditions. “The wicket was a bit sticky and the ball was turning, so I really enjoyed bowling. My job was to hit the right areas and let the pitch do the rest.”Despite the modest target, Jadeja stressed the importance of discipline in the chase. “You can’t take anything for granted in cricket… you have to work hard and give your 100 percent,” he said.
