Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Cheteshwar Pujara has raised questions about the team’s utilization of veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja during the 2025 IPL season. Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, Jadeja, along with Sam Curran, was traded to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Sanju Samson.
Pujara made a candid observation regarding Jadeja’s role at CSK, suggesting that the team did not fully capitalize on his potential. Despite being a key player, the left-arm spinner often did not bowl his full quota of four overs in many matches. Over the course of the season, Jadeja bowled approximately 38 overs and picked up 10 wickets.
Reflecting on Jadeja’s move to Rajasthan Royals, Pujara expressed confidence that the spinner would get more opportunities to showcase his skills. “Jadeja’s role in CSK was defined. But did they make full use of his potential? I feel they did not, as he was not bowling his quota of four overs in all matches. But in Rajasthan, I feel he will get his four overs in all matches. Their spinners did not bowl well, so Jadeja, being the Indian spinner, will bowl the entire four overs,” Pujara said during a Star Sports interview.
Ravindra Jadeja’s trade to RR came with a revised contract worth ₹14 crore. Interestingly, he was retained by CSK for ₹18 crore ahead of the 2025 season, highlighting the significant value he holds in the IPL.
### Jadeja Eyes Captaincy Role at Rajasthan Royals, Says Pujara
Following his move to the Rajasthan Royals, Cheteshwar Pujara believes that Ravindra Jadeja will be aspiring to take on a leadership role within the team. As a senior player, Jadeja is expected to look at himself in a bigger capacity at RR.
However, the question of who will captain the Royals in IPL 2026 remains open, especially with former skipper Sanju Samson being traded out. Jadeja will be among several contenders for the captaincy, competing with promising players such as Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel.
“One name that has not come up here is Dhruv Jurel. He is also captaincy material, a very good one. He is one more option whose name has not been mentioned. But with Ravindra Jadeja moving there, he will have the hope that he will be made captain and will look at himself in a bigger role,” Pujara added.
### A Homecoming After 16 Years
Jadeja’s move to Rajasthan Royals marks a significant homecoming. He began his IPL journey with RR in 2008 and was part of the squad that won the title that year. After last playing for the Royals in 2009, this transfer brings him back to the franchise after 16 long years.
As IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on how Jadeja adapts to his new environment and whether he can take on greater responsibility with Rajasthan Royals.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-did-make-full-use-potential-former-csk-batter-s-brutal-statement-ravindra-jadeja-trade-ipl-2026