"They have got the missing piece of the puzzle" - Irfan Pathan's massive statement on trade rumour ahead of IPL 2026 retention deadline

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan claims that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) will claim the final piece of the puzzle as far as the team combination is concerned by acquiring veteran player Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The left-handed all-rounder is heavily linked with a return to the inaugural champions, with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) interested in a trade move.

According to reports, RR are willing to part ways with Sanju Samson in exchange for two all-rounders in the form of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. RR have often struggled with the balance of their side in recent years, and suffered greatly after the previous mega auction, finishing ninth in the points table.

With Kumar Sangakkara back at the helm for the side, the franchise are planning a revamp, beginning with Jadeja's potential acquisition ahead of the crucial mini-auction next month.

Irfan Pathan opined that RR might be tempted to release the overseas pair of Maheesh Theekshana and Jofra Archer, if they finalise the signings of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

"Ravindra Jadeja's arrival to RR means that they have got the missing piece of the puzzle. They have been missing that all-rounder for quite a while now, and Jadeja's arrival is a massive benefit for them in that regard. Now, Theekshana could be released because an Indian spinner is coming in. Jofra Archer, there is the Ashes and then the T20 World Cup, so this much workload and pressure on the body, can he manage that? If I am sitting at the RR table, I will be thinking of this. It has been a concern before as well. I don't think it is wrong to think along those lines," Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Another franchise that have a lot of thinking to do ahead of the retention deadline and the auction is Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). After finishing seventh in the points table, and missing out on the playoffs for the second straight year, the franchise have been busy during the offseason. They have brought in Bharat Arun and Kane Williamson to the backroom staff, while parting ways with Zaheer Khan.

Irfan Pathan feels that LSG should think twice before releasing an experienced finisher like David Miller.

"They won't release Rishabh Pant after spending so much on him, it is a long-term plan of theirs. They want to take the team forward with him. LSG will think about David Miller, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi. In my opinion, a player like Miller should not be released, because it is difficult to get that kind of skill at the mini auction. Every team wishes that they have a Miller-type player. LSG already have a settled top seven," Pathan said.

The explosive South African batter never clicked with LSG in IPL 2025, scoring only 153 runs at a strike rate of 127.50, after a fairly successful previous cycle with the Gujarat Titans (GT).

"He is capable of delivering spells that will be impactful" - Irfan Pathan on the merits of retaining Mayank Yadav ahead of IPL 2026

LSG also have several high-value players that had a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign. The trio of Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Akash Deep cost the team INR 30 crore, but they could not justify their price tags.

Irfan Pathan noted that even if Mayank Yadav is not available to play all matches, he can be an asset.

"If Bishnoi plays to his potential, then his price tag is justified. Even if Mayank Yadav plays only 7 matches, he is capable of delivering spells that will be impactful for the team. So, LSG will be thinking of this. They will also be thinking of Akash Deep, because his value is close to INR 7-8 crore, can that be used in the purse? But according to me, the more Indian bowlers LSG have, the better," Irfan Pathan suggested.

Mayank Yadav came into the IPL 2025 campaign after recovering from a long-term injury, but could only feature in two matches midway through the season, before another long-term injury struck. He has not played since then, as questions behind his long-term fitness continue.