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Jadeja's Pink Return: 17-Year Gap Ends with Match-Winning Spell for RR

Ravindra Jadeja made a triumphant return to the Rajasthan Royals after a 17-year absence, delivering a crucial spell of 2/18 against his former team, Chennai Super Kings. His dismissals of Shivam Dube and Sarfaraz Khan were pivotal in restricting CSK to a modest 127 runs. Jadeja revealed his pre-planned strategy against Dube, knowing his tendency to attack spin, and enjoyed bowling on a turning pitch. The all-rounder also set a new IPL record for the longest gap between appearances for the same franchise.

Key Points: Jadeja on Rajasthan Royals Return: 'Pink Looks Good on Me'

  • Jadeja returns to RR after 17 years
  • Takes 2/18 including key wicket of Dube
  • Sets IPL record for longest gap with same franchise
  • RR bowl out CSK for 127
2 min read

IPL 2026: I think pink looks good on me, says Jadeja on return to Rajasthan Royals

Ravindra Jadeja marks Rajasthan Royals comeback after 17 years with a pivotal 2/18 spell against CSK, setting a new IPL record and discussing his strategy.

"I think pink looks good on me, I guess. - Ravindra Jadeja"

Guwahati, March 30

Veteran left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja marked his comeback in Rajasthan Royals colours after 17 years with a double-wicket blow against Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium and said he felt 'pink looks good' on him.

Jadeja's spell of 2/18 - where he extracted turn, and brought in subtle changes of pace - helped RR tighten their grip on the contest after Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger had rocked CSK early. Monday's match also saw Jadeja set a new IPL record for longest gap between appearances for the same franchise.

"I think pink looks good on me, I guess. I've known Shivam Dube for a long time - I've bowled to him in the nets, so I understand how he approaches spinners. I was prepared for that and tried to bowl outside off, because I knew he would look to play big shots against me," said Jadeja in a mid-innings chat with the broadcasters.

Jadeja's dismissal of impact substitute Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube proved to be pivotal as inaugural champions RR bowled out five-time winners CSK for 127. Jadeja had given Dube a fiery send-off, a moment that quickly was taken note of by social media followers.

Asked on how the pitch fared for him, where some turn was being offered, Jadeja said, "I felt the wicket was a bit sticky and the ball was turning, so I really enjoyed bowling - my job was just to hit the right areas and let the pitch do the rest.

He further felt chasing 128 will demand hard work from RR's young batting line-up. "You can't take anything for granted in cricket; no matter the target, you have to work hard, play your shots, and give your 100 percent."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The record for the longest gap between appearances is just wild. It shows his longevity and fitness. The send-off to Dube was a bit spicy though! Hope it's all in good spirit.
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Priya S
His analysis was so spot on. Knowing Dube from the nets and bowling outside off – that's proper homework. This is why experience matters so much in T20. RR's spin attack looks deadly now.
V
Vikram M
Honestly, as a CSK fan, it hurts to see him perform against us. But you have to respect the professional. He played for CSK with all his heart, now he's doing the same for RR. That's cricket.
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Rohit P
"Pink looks good on me" – typical confident Jaddu! 😂 Love it. But his point about the young batting lineup not taking 128 for granted is crucial. Hope the youngsters were listening.
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Michael C
While the performance was great, I wish the article focused a bit more on the actual game context and less on the 'pink' quote. The tactical battle between him and Dube was the real story.
K
Kavya N
The man understands conditions so well. "Let the pitch do the rest" – that's the sign of a smart bowler.

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