Ravindra Jadeja Kisses CSK Crest Following Rajasthan Royals’ Eight-Wicket Victory in Guwahati
Ravindra Jadeja delivered an emotional post-match moment following the Rajasthan Royals’ eight-wicket victory over the Chennai Super Kings. Following the final delivery of the match, the veteran all-rounder approached Chennai fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed and kissed the CSK logo on Ahmed’s jersey. The gesture was captured on the live broadcast, highlighting his enduring connection with his former franchise.
Match Summary and Key Performances
| Team | Total Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 127 All Out | Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan |
| Rajasthan Royals | 128/2 | Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ravindra Jadeja |
Emotional Transition from Chennai
Jadeja spent over a decade with Chennai, establishing himself as a premium all-rounder and contributing to multiple championship campaigns, including the 2018, 2021, and 2023 titles. Addressing his offseason transfer, he acknowledged the difficulty of the move.
“Obviously, leaving a franchise like CSK, where I had played for 12-13 years, was a little difficult initially. It was very emotional,” Jadeja stated.
Returning to His Roots in Rajasthan
Despite the emotional departure, Jadeja has adapted to his new environment. He originally began his IPL career with Rajasthan, securing the inaugural championship with the team in 2008. Embracing his return to the franchise, he expressed optimism about his current role.
“I told myself that changes like these are also part of the journey,” he noted. Taking a lighter tone regarding his new uniform, he joked, “I’m liking the pink colour. The yellow had started to feel a bit old… but I’m just joking. The good thing is I’m with the team where I first won an IPL title. Those memories have stayed with me. I’ve come here with a positive mindset to learn and also share my experience with the group.”
Bowling Dominance Restricts Chennai
Jadeja made a direct impact against his former team by securing two important wickets. His performance helped restrict Chennai to a total of 127 runs. Key metrics from his return include:
- Wickets Taken: Dismissed middle-order batters Shivam Dube and Sarfaraz Khan
- Support Attack: Fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger provided sustained pressure during the powerplay and death overs
- Run Chase: Rajasthan chased the target comfortably with eight wickets remaining
In response to the low target, Rajasthan completed the run chase with ease. The pursuit was anchored by an aggressive innings from top-order batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, securing the victory and solidifying Rajasthan’s momentum early in the season.