Mumbai: Rajasthan Royals made a resounding statement in their opening match of TATA IPL 2026, defeating Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets. On JioHotstar’s ‘Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live’, RR all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja spoke about his departure from CSK, the team’s strong bowling start, and the depth of Rajasthan Royals’ squad. Joining him were cricketing experts Anil Kumble and Suresh Raina, who offered insights into the match and the Royals’ strategy.
Reflecting on his exit from CSK, Jadeja said:
“The yellow jersey had become very familiar, but change is part of the journey. Leaving CSK after 12–13 years was emotional. But I feel fortunate to return to a team where I won my first IPL title. That memory has always stayed with me. My focus now is to contribute to this group, learn from my teammates, and share my experience to help the squad grow.”
Jadeja also shared his thoughts on bowling on the Guwahati wicket and his key dismissal of Shivam Dube:
“The pitch was a bit sticky, which suited my bowling. My plan was to hit the right areas and adapt based on how the batter responded. When Dube hit me for six, I adjusted my line to stump him off the fifth or sixth-stump line, and thankfully it worked.”
On his celebratory gesture, he added:
“It was a ‘to be continued’ moment for me. I’ve celebrated like this before at CSK, but my priority was to take the crucial wicket that could swing the game.”
Kumble praised RR’s bowling:
“The Guwahati wicket had moisture, helping the bowlers. Nandre Burger’s left-arm angle troubled Sanju Samson, and Jofra Archer’s full delivery was well-executed. Rajasthan made the most of the toss.”
Raina highlighted RR’s batting depth:
“Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be key. Their combination reminds me of Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli at RCB—one aggressive, one steady. With contributions from the rest of the batting line-up and all-rounders like Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi, RR has both depth and balance this season.”
