CSK Confirms Ravindra Jadeja’s Move to Rajasthan Royals in ₹14-Crore Trade Deal

What had been widely speculated was finally confirmed on Saturday morning as the IPL governing council announced that star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been traded from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Rajasthan Royals for ₹14 crore. Jadeja, retained by CSK for ₹18 crore ahead of IPL 2025, saw his value adjusted as part of the trade agreement.

The Royals also acquired Sam Curran, while CSK brought in Sanju Samson in a major reshuffle. Soon after the announcement, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan opened up on the franchise’s reasoning behind parting ways with Jadeja—one of the team’s longest-serving and most impactful players. Jadeja, who joined CSK in 2012 and was instrumental in their 2023 title win with his last-ball heroics in Ahmedabad, leaves after over a decade of service (excluding the 2017–18 suspension period).

Calling it “one of the toughest decisions” the management has ever made, Viswanathan said the move was taken with the team’s long-term transition in mind.

“This decision has been taken by the team management… leaving out Jaddu, who has been responsible for the success of CSK over the years, was extremely tough. But with the transition the team is undergoing, we had to take this call,” he said in a video posted on CSK’s official social media channels.

He added that the trade was finalised only after mutual agreement with Jadeja:
“It is a must that we consult the players concerned, and it was after mutual agreement that we undertook this.”

‘Fag end of his career’

Viswanathan also revealed that Jadeja himself felt he was approaching the “fag end” of his white-ball career and was open to seeking a fresh opportunity elsewhere.

“When I spoke to Jadeja, he was clear that if there was an opportunity, he would consider it because he feels he is at the far end of his white-ball career. So he felt he could take a break,” Viswanathan said.

The CSK CEO acknowledged fan disappointment but stressed that the franchise has to prepare for the future.

“We have certain players at the far end of their careers, and it is important for CSK to build a team for the next few years. Since this is a mini-auction, we didn’t have the opportunity to secure top Indian batters,” he said.

“Emotionally, fans will be very upset—we’ve already received many messages. But given the current team composition, the think tank felt a change was needed. I’m confident CSK will maintain its consistency in the coming years,” he added.