New Delhi: Ravindra Jadeja shone on his homecoming for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as he returned to haunt his former team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in his side’s opening game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Monday, March 30. Jadeja picked up two wickets in an over to break the backbone of CSK’s batting line-up after their top order suffered a terrible collapse.
Jadeja, who made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2008, spent two seasons with the franchise before leaving the team in 2009. He joined CSK in 2012 and went on to forge a legacy at the franchise. The Indian all-rounder spent 12 seasons at CSK from 2012 to 2025, winning four titles with the team. He was traded to his former team RR from CSK in exchange for Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026.
On his reunion with CSK in RR’s very first game of the season, Jadeja showcased what Chennai let go of by striking twice in his very first over. Jadeja trapped Sarfaraz Khan lbw on the 2nd ball of his over before dismissing the dangerous Shivam Dube on the final delivery. Dube smashed Jadeja for a six on the first ball he faced from the left-arm spinner, however, the RR all-rounder had the last laugh.
Jadeja did a ‘gun’ celebration to give his former teammate Dube a send-off after dismissing him in the game. His celebration went viral on social media, becoming a talking point among the fans.
Watch Ravindra Jadeja gives Shivam Dube a send-off with ‘gun’ celebration:
A special return in Pink for Ravindra Jadeja 🩷
🎥 Two quick wickets in his very first over back for the Royals 🔥
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/UzbuFk5G26#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RRvCSK | @rajasthanroyals | @imjadeja pic.twitter.com/leq4EyMRha
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 30, 2026
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