Four Weeks Ago, Ravindra Jadeja Contacted Me and Expressed Excitement About Returning Home: RR Owner Manoj Badale

Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale has revealed that star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja reached out to him nearly a month ago, expressing strong enthusiasm about a potential return to the franchise. Jadeja, who emerged as a promising young talent with RR, played a key role in their triumph during the inaugural ipl season in 2008. Back then, late Australian legend and RR captain Shane Warne famously nicknamed him a “rockstar” for his fearless attitude and match-winning potential.

After parting ways with the Royals in 2011, Jadeja represented Kochi Tuskers Kerala for a season before joining the Chennai Super Kings, where he achieved tremendous success and lifted three IPL trophies. Badale revealed that several hurdles had to be addressed before finalising Jadeja’s much-awaited homecoming, which RR sealed on Saturday, November 15.

Badale added that reconnecting with Jadeja after many years was a special moment.

“About four weeks ago, in mid-October, Jaddu contacted me and said he was thrilled about the idea of coming back ‘home’ — the place where he began his IPL career and, more importantly, received early recognition across India. We have had multiple discussions over the last few weeks. It has been fascinating meeting the older, more experienced Ravindra Jadeja, considering the last time I interacted with him, he was just 21,” Badale said on RR’s official YouTube channel.

The RR owner also highlighted that Jadeja’s trade was not a standalone move. English all-rounder Sam Curran, who joins the side alongside Jadeja, is expected to play a crucial role as well. Together, the pair will strengthen multiple areas for Rajasthan ahead of the next season.

“Just to clarify, Jadeja was not the only part of the trade. It was a combined move for both Jadeja and Sam Curran. That is an equally important element that shouldn’t be overlooked. Their versatility allows them to fill three or four key roles we need for the upcoming season,” Badale explained.

Jadeja’s Rajasthan Royals Record

During his two seasons with RR, Ravindra Jadeja featured in 27 matches, scoring 430 runs and picking up six wickets at an average of 28.67. Ahead of the auction, RR also released Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana, making some bold strategic decisions. Following these changes, the franchise now holds a purse of Rs. 16.05 crore with nine slots available.