Dhoni advised Jadeja to leave CSK as he was close to being dropped from XI.
In a revealing turn of events, reports suggest that MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja had an open and honest conversation before Jadeja’s trade from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to the Rajasthan Royals. According to a Cricbuzz-based report cited by the Hindustan Times, Dhoni told Jadeja that leaving the franchise could be in everyone’s best interest since there was a real risk he would no longer be part of CSK’s playing XI next season.
The discussion between the two cricketing stalwarts reportedly centered on team balance and the possibility that Jadeja’s role at CSK could shrink. With CSK bringing in spinning options like Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad, the team management was exploring combinations in which Jadeja might be rotated out.
Sources describe the conversation as “straightforward and respectful,” highlighting the mutual trust between Dhoni and Jadeja. The two apparently acknowledged that a trade would benefit both sides: for Jadeja’s desire for consistent playing time, and for CSK’s long-term restructuring.
The trade that followed was significant. Jadeja, along with Sam Curran, moved to the Rajasthan Royals. CSK, in return, secured Sanju Samson, marking a strategic shift in their squad building.
While CSK has been deeply connected to Jadeja — he has been a cornerstone of their team for many seasons — this exit indicates a pragmatic decision from both ends. Dhoni, known for his leadership and foresight, seems to have weighed the club’s future direction against sentiment.
Some analysts believe that the decision was driven by “desperation” within CSK’s management to rebuild, as Jadeja’s role no longer aligned with the evolving team dynamics. For Jadeja, the trade presents a fresh start and the promise of a more central role, even if it means leaving the yellow jersey he’s donned for over a decade.
