Anil Kumble shares surprise after Ravindra Jadeja’s move from CSK to RR ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian captain Anil Kumble has expressed surprise after Ravindra Jadeja was traded to Rajasthan Royals from Chennai Super Kings. CSK have traded out the all-rounder duo of Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja in exchange for Sanju Samson from RR.

While, Jadeja was retained for INR 18 crore ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction by CSK, the all-rounder has taken a pay cut as he has traded for INR 14 crore to RR. Kumble wondered if the veteran all-rounder has been given the captaincy offer by the inaugural champions.

Riyan Parag had led Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 when Sanju Samson was ruled out with an injury.

“It’s a big move because, generally, CSK don’t let go of their players, and especially someone of the quality and the long-standing relationship Ravindra Jadeja has had with them. So I was a bit surprised that they let him go. Yes, Sanju Samson coming to CSK is certainly a great move for CSK. He (Jadeja) has also taken a hit in his purse, from ₹18 crore to ₹14 crore,” Anil Kumble said on Star Sports.

Kumble observed that Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and Sam Curran are other potential captaincy candidates for RR.

“Is there a captaincy thrown at Ravindra Jadeja? The Rajasthan Royals need to find a captain. Riyan Parag led them in a couple of matches when Sanju wasn’t available. Yashasvi Jaiswal has always sort of harbored the captaincy dream. Then there is the young Dhruv Jurel, who certainly has the temperament, and then there is Sam Curran, who is an overseas option,” he added.

On the other hand, former Indian wicket-keeper bat Saba Karim noted sometimes we tend to become more emotional but the franchises are taking more pragmatic decisions.

“I feel this is the time to move on. At times, we tend to become extremely emotional when we part ways with a certain franchise because of a number of reasons. I think the maturity of the league reflects when players and franchises take some hard calls,” he said.

“Jadeja feels that, at this stage of his career, he needs to be driven by a separate agenda altogether. Can he build a young side? Can he turn them into a winning combination? So far, what we have seen from the Rajasthan Royals in the past, they always start on a very promising note, but as the tournament progresses, they tend to fall apart,” Saba observed.

The IPL 2026 auction is likely to be scheduled on December 15.