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IPL 2026: Ravindra Jadeja will be playing for Rajasthan Royals yet again after 15 years, and it has been a full circle as it's the same team from where his cricket journey first began. For him, this transfer is more than being professional, as he has returned to the same team from where he made his IPL debut and the nickname that he got.

“I am back in Rajasthan after fifteen years, so I feel good returning to the place where I started my journey and where I got the name Rockstar. I am doubly happy to come back to the same place,” Jade said after joining the team.

He is currently at a stage in his career where he is both motivated by enjoying the game and by competing in it. “Right now, I am at a stage where I want to enjoy my cricket. Whoever calls me with love, from the heart and with respect — I will always like it,” he said.

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ON VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI

He also talked about the young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and emphasized the values he should imbibe. “Vaibhav is very young right now. The inspiration for him is simple: work hard, achieve your goals, and follow your passion for cricket. If you pursue it properly, you will get the platform and your journey will begin soon,” he added.

He also spoke about the initial phase of his career and revealed that he still gets excited in the same way as when he was young. “When I started playing, I felt the excitement of going to the ground, practising, and learning. I feel that same energy now,” he said.

HOW THE TRADE PANNED OUT

His trade to RR started when Manoj Badale, who is the co-owner of this team, contacted him and Kumar Sangakkara. They then told Jadeja of a possible trade, and that's when this decision was made final.

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“The first thought that came to my mind was to return to the team where my journey started, where I got my name and where I began as Ravindra Jadeja the cricketer,” he added. Jadeja also revealed that he is looking forward to playing with youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag, as these are the players who have played for RR over the last few years.

THE SHANE WARNE CONNECTION

One of the highlights of his earlier stint with RR was the bond he shared with Shane Warne as he played under his captaincy. Jadeja revealed how, as a youngster, he didn't realise how important IPL is, as Warne welcomed and motivated him, who also gave him the nickname of a 'rockstar' and told him that he would have a long international career.

Warne's impact on Jadeja played a huge role in his career. His advice stayed with Jadeja even when he left RR, as they met each other in the overseas series. His support stayed constant for many years.

Now with Jadeja playing for the Royals again in IPL 2026, this will give him a chance to reconnect with his roots and honour Warne's legacy and lead a team with the same energy that he once had.

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