IPL 2026: Suresh Raina calls for CSK to retain Ravindra Jadeja even as RR trade nears completion
It's not even a mega auction lined up ahead of the 19th edition of the IPL, but decades-long partnerships are already coming to a close. Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings finished IPL 2025 as the worst performers of the season. For the first time in 18 seasons of the T20 league, CSK, the five-time champions, ended up at the bottom of the points table. Now, as the stage is set for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, it's RR and CSK making not just ripples but what seem to be the biggest waves witnessed in the tournament so far. In a massive trade, CSK is set to onboard RR skipper Sanju Samson and send Ravindra Jadeja away along with Sam Curran. However, while the trade is all but confirmed, former CSK star and Mr. IPL himself, Suresh Raina, has urged his ex-team not to let Jadeja go.
Suresh Raina urges CSK to retain Ravindra Jadeja amid trade speculations with Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has issued a strong appeal to his former franchise, Chennai Super Kings, urging them to hold on to Ravindra Jadeja amid increasing talk surrounding a high-profile trade discussion with Rajasthan Royals. Over the past few weeks, reports have indicated an ongoing negotiation between the two sides for a swap deal that could see RR captain Sanju Samson moving to CSK, while Jadeja may return to the team he once represented during the early phase of his IPL career.
If the trade deal were to go through, the confirmation of which now seems like just a formality, it has the potential to become one of the most talked-about developments ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. Speculations have also updated that Rajasthan Royals have demanded another CSK player as part of the agreement to level the trade value, considering the growing importance of Sanju Samson, leadership influence, and brand worth in the league.
Initial reports suggested that RR asked for Ravindra Jadeja to be accompanied by Dewald Brevis in the trade deal. However, CSK declined, also turning down RR's request for a deal involving Matheesa Pathirana. However, despite the tussle over the right combination in exchange for Samson, the trade deal has now settled on the duo of Jadeja and English all-rounder Sam Curran.
CSK, meanwhile, are entering a crucial rebuilding phase after enduring a difficult previous season, where they finished at the bottom of the standings. Moreover, rumors are rife that the central figure of the CSK camp, MS Dhoni is likely to return for at least one more season to guide the transition.
Sharing his thoughts on team composition, Suresh Raina, one of CSK’s longest-serving players and a fan favourite, stated that Chennai must be selective and strategic while making IPL 2026 retention calls. He strongly recommended keeping MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and young spinner Noor Ahmad as essential parts of the core group. Importantly, Raina emphasised that Jadeja remains a crucial pillar for CSK, not only because of his match-winning ability but also due to his impact across departments and his experience in high-pressure situations.
“Noor Ahmad should be retained. He’s a mystery spinner, so he must be kept. MS Dhoni should definitely be retained; he is playing this year, so he should remain with the team. Ruturaj Gaikwad should continue as captain," Raina said. "Ravindra Jadeja should be retained again. He is a gun player for CSK. He has done really, really well for the team over the years, so ‘Sir Ravindra Jadeja’ has to be there,” he added.
On the flip side, Raina suggested that the franchise should move on from New Zealand opener Devon Conway, along with Vijay Shankar and Deepak Hooda, in order to realign their squad composition. He also advised that CSK should actively look for a consistent Indian top-order batter in the IPL 2026 mini-auction to strengthen the side’s domestic depth and ensure stability at the start of the innings.
“Devon Conway should be released. CSK need a local opener, which they will look for in the mini-auction. Vijay Shankar has already received plenty of chances. So I think CSK should release him as well. Deepak Hooda should be released too,” Raina added.
