CSK or RR? What was Ravindra Jadeja’s first IPL team and why did he leave Rajasthan Royals for Chennai Super Kings?

Devansh Poddar

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CSK or RR? What was Ravindra Jadeja’s first IPL team and why did he leave Rajasthan Royals for Chennai Super Kings? image

One of India's biggest cricketing stars and arguably the best all-rounder in the world, Ravindra Jadeja, has once again made the headlines. This time for his potential trade to the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction

As per the latest developments, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings have locked in the deal to trade the CSK all-rounder in a swap for the RR skipper Sanju Samson. 

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Jadeja has been one of the biggest stars of the Chennai Super Kings franchise and has been associated with the side for the last 13 years. But where did Ravindra Jadeja start his IPL journey?

What was Ravindra Jadeja’s first IPL team?

Ravindra Jadeja, a 20-year-old at the time, began his IPL journey with the Rajasthan Royals in 2008. He was picked by the franchise for a price of INR 12 Lakhs. 

In his very first IPL experience, the young Jadeja was part of the title-winning team under the captaincy of the late Shane Warne. He featured in all 14 games in the first edition and scored 135 runs at an average of nearly 20. 

In 2009, the all-rounder was retained by the side, and he bettered his performance, scoring 295 runs at an average of 27. He additionally picked up 6 wickets and showcased his bowling skills. 

More: What is Sanju Samson's record in T20 cricket at M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai?

Why did Jadeja leave the Rajasthan Royals?

Jadeja's departure from the Rajasthan Royals was not due to poor performance but rather disciplinary reasons. 

After spending two years with the franchise, the Indian all-rounder was banned from the IPL 2010 after being found guilty of breaching the league's player guidelines by negotiating a contract with the Mumbai Indians while he was still with the Rajasthan Royals. 

When he returned in 2011, he was picked by the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, where he spent one season and established a reputation for himself, scoring 283 runs and taking eight wickets. 

However, after the Tuskers' termination by the BCCI in 2011, Jadeja was finally picked by the Chennai Super Kings for a whopping sum of INR 9.8 Cr, and the rest, as you say, was history. 

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Contributing Writer