From suspension to trade talk: The story behind Ravindra Jadeja’s exit from Rajasthan Royals in 2010

The story behind Ravindra Jadeja’s exit from Rajasthan Royals in 2010 (AFP Photo)

A possible Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson transfer has been speculated in a blockbuster trade deal involving Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline on November 15.

When Royals reportedly first contacted CSK about a potential transaction involving Jadeja, negotiations came to a standstill since the Jaipur franchise were also in talks with Delhi Capitals over a similar bargain involving the wicketkeeper-batter and Tristan Stubbs.

Further reports on the subject also stated that talks were re-established between Royals and CSK after the Delhi deal fell through mostly because of differences over the former's demand for uncapped youngster Sameer Rizvi.

Now a latest report in the Times of India citing sources suggest that RR have expressed interest in another CSK player - Sam Curran - hinting that the discussion is not just limited to Jadeja and Samson.

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One question, though, sticks out despite all the trade rumors: Why did the Rajasthan Royals release Ravindra Jadeja in the first place?

The story goes back to 2010 when Jadeja was suspended for a year by the IPL governing council, which was after he attempted to arrange a trade to the Mumbai Indians without notifying his franchise. This was after spending two seasons with Royals, including a title winning campaign in the inaugural edition in 2008.

IPL chief Lalit Modi had then said: "The IPL governing council has arrived at this decision after due deliberations done after taking into account Ravindra Jadeja's representation to the president of the BCCI and a further representation by the Rajasthan Royals. The player guidelines laid out by the governing council of the IPL are sacrosanct and all players will need to strictly adhere to the same."

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After completing the 2010 suspension, Jadeja joined Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011 and a year later he was signed by the Chennai Super Kings, and as they say, the rest is history.

Now that RR have once again expressed interest to bring the all-rounder back in a potentially lucrative trade, Jadeja's IPL story could take another surprising turn.