Amid the ongoing trade discussions between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royals, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has reportedly made a special request to Rajasthan Royals (RR).
According to the latest reports, Jadeja is expected to lead Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 if the trade deal goes through.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Rajasthan Royals have demanded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange for Sanju Samson. Notably, both the star cricketers have the same salary bracket of ₹18 crore. This could be one of the high-profile trades ahead of the November 15 retention deadline.
Ravindra Jadeja likely to take over as Rajasthan Royals captain for IPL 2026
According to a report by News18 CricketNext, Ravindra Jadeja can take over the captaincy of Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2026 season.
The experienced all-rounder is expected to join RR along with Sam Curran in a trade deal that will send Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings.
Jadeja has requested the captaincy role, expressing his desire to lead a franchise in the final stages of his IPL career. The management of Rajasthan is also ready to consider appointing a new leader.
“News18 CricketNext has learned that Jadeja has asked the RR management to take over the captaincy as part of their trade that includes Sanju Samson going the other way,” the report said.
While Riyan Parag temporarily captained RR in the absence of Sanju Samson last season, the franchise management believes Jadeja’s vast experience and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate to guide the team.
Ravindra Jadeja to captain Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2022
Ravindra Jadeja started his IPL journey with Rajasthan Royals during the inaugural season of 2008. After two years with the franchise, he was suspended in 2010 for contract violations. He moved to Chennai Super Kings in 2012, a change that defined his career.
During his tenure with CSK, Jadeja became one of the most valuable players of the franchise. He has scored 2,198 runs in 186 matches and taken 143 wickets. The all-rounder was a part of CSK’s title wins in 2018, 2021 and 2023.
Jadeja led CSK in 2022 after MS Dhoni stepped down but struggled to deliver results, with the team losing six of its first eight matches.
Dhoni returned as captain midway through the season. Jadeja’s leadership can now bring balance and experience to the young Rajasthan Royals team.
Sanju Samson likely to play for CSK in IPL 2026
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson is not expected to take over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings. Sanju Samson is seen as the long-term successor to MS Dhoni, but the franchise plans to retain Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain for the upcoming season.
Samson will strengthen CSK’s top order and bring valuable experience to the lineup. The Kerala batsman led Rajasthan Royals in 67 matches, securing 33 wins and 33 losses. He is also the franchise’s all-time leading run-scorer, with 4,027 runs in 149 matches at an average of 31.71 and a strike rate of 141.25.
“Sources say the high-profile move, which also includes all-rounder Sam Curran moving to RR, has almost been finalized by both sides and, barring any hiccups, will be announced in the next few days,” the report said.
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