Jadeja Embraces Pink in Rajasthan Royals Return for IPL 2026
Guwahati, March 30 — Veteran left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja made a notable return to Rajasthan Royals after 17 years. He finished with figures of 2 for 18 against Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium.
Record-setting comeback
His appearance set a new IPL record for the longest gap between stints with the same franchise. The game formed part of the early fixtures of IPL 2026.
Match impact
Jadeja removed impact substitute Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube. Those wickets proved pivotal as Rajasthan Royals bowled out Chennai Super Kings for 127.
Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger had struck early to unsettle CSK. Jadeja’s tidy spell helped tighten the contest for the Royals.
Bowling plan and conditions
He said he prepared for Dube after bowling to him in the nets. Jadeja aimed outside off stump, expecting big shots from the batter.
The wicket offered some turn and felt slightly sticky. Those conditions allowed Jadeja to vary pace and extract purchase.
On embracing the pink
Jadeja embraced the pink jersey in his Rajasthan Royals return and said the colour suited him. His on-field send-off of Dube drew immediate reaction on social media.
He added that his job was to hit the right areas and let the surface assist the ball. The spinner said he enjoyed bowling in those conditions.
Looking ahead
Rajasthan Royals must chase 128 with a young batting unit. Jadeja warned that the run chase will require focus and hard work from the lineup.
Reported for Filmogaz.com from Guwahati.
