Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja talked about whether he had a conversation with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni when the IPL 2026 schedule was out, and RR was slated to clash with CSK in both their IPL 19 openers in Guwahati.

Jadeja was traded to RR by CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, along with Sam Curran. CSK got Sanju Samson from RR in a good deal.

Given Jadeja's lengthy tenure with CSK, where he was instrumental in several noteworthy victories, including the 2023 IPL final versus the Gujarat Titans, the departure represented a big change for both teams.

In his maiden game for RR against CSK, Jadeja excelled with two wickets as he removed Shivam Dube and Sarfaraz Khan at crucial times.

Jadeja also discussed the feelings that led him to leave CSK, thinking back on the change and what it meant for him to return to RR at this point in his career.

"The pink color looks good; the yellow one has become a bit old. At first, it was a bit difficult because I played for CSK for 12-13 years, so it was an emotional time. But I thought of it as part of the journey. The good thing was that I was going to the same team where I won my first IPL title. Those memories were always with me. I was going there to learn with a new group and share my experience with them," Jadeja told broadcasters.

Jadeja was also asked whether he had a chat with his former skipper, MS Dhoni, when the schedule was announced.

“No, I didn’t speak to him. Mahi bhai keeps his phone switched off anyway. Whenever I meet Mahi bhai, I’ll talk a lot with him," he said.

Jadeja won three IPL titles with CSK in 2018, 2021, and 2023, while winning one with RR in 2008.

The veteran all-rounder also discussed the kind reception he received at the Rajasthan Royals, stating that the grand welcome and energy inside the new team made his move even more spectacular.

"I got a very warm welcome in the city of kings. A truly royal welcome; I really enjoyed it. The suit looked lovely; I really liked it. The way they welcomed me and the atmosphere in the team, with young players and the energy shown in training sessions, feels very good. It’s a new group, whether batting or bowling, and I like talking and discussing with the new players about what they are thinking and what their mindset is before going into the game," he said.

RR will next clash with the Gujarat Titans on April 4 in Ahmedabad.