Star India and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has admitted that he has not had a conversation yet with former India captain MS Dhoni after he was traded from Chennai Super Kings to RR, adding
that the latter keeps his phone off the entire time.
Even during his stints with Rajasthan Royals in 2008 or Gujarat Lions in 2016-17, it never felt as unusual as last night, when Jadeja, back with his home team, faced Chennai Super Kings, the team that shaped his career.
Jadeja spent 13 years with CSK (2012–2025, excluding the two seasons the team was banned) and played a key role in their three IPL titles in 2018, 2021 and 2023.
Watching Jadeja, sporting a fresh buzzcut, bowl to CSK was surreal for a moment, then again, that is the IPL for you. Cricketers switch franchises, loyalties are tested and every team they represent becomes home.
Jadeja did not bat as the Royals crushed CSK by eight wickets with 47 deliveries to spare, but he shone with the ball, taking 2/18, dismissing Sarfaraz Khan and former teammate Shivam Dube.
The much-anticipated reunion will have to wait, as Dhoni continues to nurse a calf injury, leaving his participation uncertain. As Jadeja faced his former side, he admitted it felt strange.
Since his move, Jadeja revealed he has not spoken to Dhoni or any other Chennai legend, including Suresh Raina, who was part of the broadcast panel and one of the three hosts interviewing him.
“I have not spoken to Mahi bhai. He keeps his phone off the entire time. But whenever I meet him and I will meet Raina bhai and Anil Kumble bhai as well, I will speak to all of you,” Jadeja said while speaking to the host broadcasters.
He called the move to Rajasthan emotional but embraced it, seeing a silver lining in returning to a side he first joined after the U-19 World Cup.
