“Jadeja was open to do the whole thing” – Former KKR batter's big claim on CSK-RR trade deal ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) champion Robin Uthappa has claimed that Ravindra Jadeja was open to the trade deal between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the 2026 auction. The cricketer-turned-analyst reckoned that the all-rounder wanted to try something different. Like Ravichandran Ashwin, he believes that the 36-year-old might end his IPL career where he started. It's worth mentioning that Jadeja won his maiden IPL trophy with the Royals in the inaugural 2008 season.

Uthappa further credited the administrators and broadcasters for leaving the decision solely in the hands of the player. He, however, added that RR benefited from the deal as they got two all-rounders – Jadeja and Sam Curran in return for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. Having said that, the CSK-RR trade deal is not yet official.

On Thursday, November 13, the 40-year-old said on his YouTube channel:

“From what I understand, Jadeja was open to do the whole thing. So, for me, I think if somebody wants to try out something and do something, I think they should have the autonomy to make those decisions in their career, and I like the fact that cricketers have a little more autonomy because I think generally, they are all at the mercy of the administrators or in some cases the broadcasters, right?... For Sanju, you get Jadeja and Curran. I think that’s a good trade.” “(Jadeja) I think there was a conversation about Jadeja wanting to lead RR as well… Maybe he wants to finish where he started. He played for RR first and won a championship there,” he added.

“MS will not play forever” – Former KKR batter shares his take on CSK- RR IPL trade deal

Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) needed someone with experience to take over the wicketkeeping duty from MS Dhoni, and Sanju Samson fits the bill. The cricketer-turned-analyst predicted that the legendary wicketkeeper might not play all the matches of IPL 2026, which is likely to be his last season in the T20 league.

Chopra said on his YouTube channel:

"I think CSK are looking to be future-ready as MS will not play forever. They like experience. They wanted someone like Sanju. They did have Urvil Patel, and he was doing well, but he is not their long-term solution or Dhoni replacement. I don't know if anyone can replace Dhoni, though." "I feel Dhoni may not play all the games this season. With Sanju's addition, I feel we will see Dhoni not playing all the matches this year itself,” he added.

Notably, Dhoni turned 44 years old on July 7, 2025. On the other hand, Samson celebrated his 31st birthday on November 11, 2025.

Edited by James Kuanal