"I got the name Rockstar" - Ravindra Jadeja shares his feelings after returning to his first franchise for IPL 2026

One of the Rajasthan Royals' newest recruits, Ravindra Jadeja has opened up on returning to his first franchise ahead of IPL 2026. The veteran all-rounder revealed that he got the name 'Rockstar' during his stint with the Royals and is ecstatic to represent the team again.

In one of the most high-profile trades in IPL history, Jadeja and Sam Curran were traded to the Royals from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. The Saurashtra cricketer will ply his trade for the Royals for ₹14 crore.

Speaking in a video shared by the Royals, Jadeja said all he wants is to enjoy his game to the fullest and that he would go anywhere where he is loved and respected.

"I am back in Rajasthan after fifteen years, so I feel good returning to the place where I started my journey and where I got the name Rockstar. I am doubly happy to come back to the same place. Right now, I am at a stage where I want to enjoy my cricket. Whoever calls me with love, from the heart and with respect, I will always like it. There will be a sense of belonging. I won’t say what people should call me. But whatever they call me with love, from the heart and respect, I’ll always appreciate it," he said.

The spin-bowling all-rounder was part of Rajasthan's squad in 2008 when they lifted the trophy under late Shane Warne's captaincy. He was there with the franchise until 2009 and went on to play for the Kochi Tuskers Kerala and the Super Kings.

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"My personality as a cricketer started there" - Ravindra Jadeja on Rajasthan Royals

Ravindra Jadeja. (Image Credits: Getty)

When asked how did the trade pan out, the veteran said he came to know about the possibility after speaking to Royals owner Manoj Badale and coach Kumar Sangakkara. He elaborated:

"I got a call from Manoj sir, spoke to Sangakkara as well. After speaking to both of them, they told me there was such a possibility. The first thought that came to my mind was, ‘I’m going to the team where my journey started’. Where I got a name and where my beginning was. My personality as a cricketer started there. There is excitement about working with new players and new people. There are Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag. I’ve played alongside them at some point and the time to come will be exciting."

The inaugural IPL champions had a forgettable season in 2025, finishing ninth in the points table.