After 12 years, Ravindra Jadeja's stint with Chennai Super Kings is officially over. On Saturday (November 15), CSK officially announced the long awaited trade deal with Rajasthan Royals - Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange for Sanju Samson. This is arguably the biggest trade in IPL history and the five-time champions put up a heart-warming post for their outgoing veteran all-rounder.
"The Sword that guarded the Yellove kingdom. There are players and there are protectors. He was both," read the opening lines of CSK's post on social media
Today, we bow in gratitude. For the finishes. For the breakthrough spells.
"Always our RaJa. Always our Thalapathy. Always our Jaddu!"
Jadeja's iconic finish in the IPL 2023 final against the Gujarat Titans is possibly his greatest moment in a CSK shirt. With 10 needed off two balls, the Saurashtra all-rounder smoked a six and four with absolute calm to take MS Dhoni's men to their fifth IPL title. It didn't seem then that he would ever leave the franchise as long as he was active.
However, reports say that Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming had both discussed the trade with Jadeja much before the Super Kings officially pursued it with RR. The 37-year-old was also convinced that this was the best move for him going forward, with his age and the changing nature of Chepauk surface adding new dimensions to his future.
Jadeja's exit has left CSK's fans divided as a large section felt the need to retain him, given the emotional bond created over the years. However, the other bunch have called it a timely decision because despite his priceless contributions over the years, Jadeja's T20 game has started to show signs of decline.
Jadeja now returns to the Royals where he first made his mark in the IPL, a full-circle moment for the veteran who could also be the franchise's next captain.