Ravindra Jadeja's move from Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals is finally done. It was one of the most talked-about trades ahead of IPL 2026.
Reports suggest that one of the main points in the all-rounder's agreement to as part of the deal was for him to take over captaincy at RR, hoping to spend the final years of his IPL career with extra responsibility.
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RR has other options like Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel, but Jadeja's leadership experience and IPL pedigree could make him a strong candidate to lead the side.
Ravindra Jadeja's IPL captaincy record
Jadeja's stint as captain in the IPL has been brief and challenging. In 2022, CSK handed him the captaincy after MS Dhoni stepped down, but results didn't go his way.
Across eight matches, Jadeja won just two, losing six, giving him a win percentage of 25%.
| Matches | Won | Lost | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2 | 6 | 25 |
During those matches, Jadeja struggled with both bat and ball. His batting strike rate dipped significantly in the middle and death overs compared to previous seasons, while his bowling remained steady but less impactful.
Fielding lapses in crucial moments further compounded the team's difficulties, leading to him stepping down and Dhoni retaking the captaincy.
Why Jadeja's previous IPL captaincy stint was difficult
The 2022 season highlighted the pressure of captaincy on Jadeja. While he remained a key all-rounder, his personal form took a hit.
He scored just 112 runs in eight games, averaging 22.4 at a strike rate of 121.7, far below his previous standards. His bowling picked up five wickets at an economy of 8.1, and he dropped a few catches in tight matches.
The combination of form issues and team losses made the season a learning experience rather than a success story.
More: Will Sanju Samson captain CSK if Ravindra Jadeja joins RR in IPL 2026 trade swap?
What Jadeja's captaincy could mean for RR youngsters
If Rajasthan Royals hand Jadeja the captaincy, it could shift the team dynamic. Youngsters like Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel would gain the chance to learn under a seasoned all-rounder, but their opportunities to take on captaincy could be limited.
The presence of Jadeja might stabilise the team on the field, but balancing mentorship with giving youngsters enough responsibility will be a key task for RR management.
This, though, risks the young trio's future, especially that of Jaiswal who has made his expectations clear about his desire for a leadership role, particularly at Mumbai domestics. This could mean the southpaw might look for alternative teams in the next IPL cycle where he could be offered captaincy.
With RR looking to rebuild around a mix of youth and experience, the decision on captaincy could shape their campaign in IPL 2026.
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