Sources have reported that Ravindra Jadeja is set to leave Chennai Super Kings and will list himself on the IPL Trading Window.
Jadeja has been out of touch with CSK management since the end of the IPL 2022. He withdrew from the tournament near the end to undergo rib treatment at the National Cricket Academy. He never informed the team of his injury despite CSK continuing to pay him.
Jadeja has also removed all of his CSK-related posts on social media. He is also the only player who does not appear in CSK's celebratory video for skipper MS Dhoni's happy birthday.
According to a report, Dhoni believed that if Jadeja did not perform well in the IPL, the team would lose five consecutive games before recording their first win. He also scored only 111 runs and took three wickets in these matches. With Dhoni back as captain, a return is unlikely for Jadeja.
“CSK insiders still insist Dhoni sincerely believed that Jadeja’s place in the Indian T20 team could come under scanner if he didn’t perform in the IPL and that’s why he was relieved of his captaincy,” a report by Times of India reads.
Several other reports also suggested that Jadeja spoke with several top franchises but has yet to secure talks.
However, sources close to Jadeja's management told InsideSport that he was in discussions with several teams.
“It’s clear he is unhappy and very hurt. He will look for the options, let’s see how things pan out”, said an insider.
As per IPL regulations, franchises must list their contracted players instead of players putting themselves in the trading window.
Jadeja, CSK's conflict
The Indian all-rounder was the most expensive signing in the 2012 IPL Auctions, purchased for INR 9.72 crore by the franchise.
The “Rockstar” spent ten years with Chennai and is currently the team's third highest wicket-taker (114), trailing only Dwayne Bravo (154) and Ravichandran Ashwin (120).
Throughout his career with CSK, the 31-year-old won two IPL titles, cementing his reputation as one of the best all-rounders in the sport. He was one of the most senior members and was handed the baton after Dhoni decided to step down just two days ahead of the IPL 2022.
Jadeja is an influential player in CSK's lineup. Jadeja played for Gujarat Lions when CSK was banned from the IPL in 2016 and 2017. He later returned to the Yellow Army when they were reinstated in 2018.
He recently deleted a tweet posted in response to the franchise commemorating his 10-year tenure with the team.
"10 years of Super Jaddu," CSK wrote, to which Jadeja initially replied, "10 more to go."
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Sunrisers Hyderabad are the franchises that will try to sign Jadeja during the transfer window (SRH).
To acquire Jadeja, RCB may have to part ways with players such as David Willey and Shahbaz Ahmed. As for PBKS, they could let go of players like Odean Smith and Shahrukh Khan to create room for Jadeja.
