Suresh Raina Doesn’t Want CSK to Trade Ravindra Jadeja

Suresh Raina suggested that Ravindra Jadeja, whose CSK future remains uncertain, has been a pivotal part of the five-time IPL winners' identity.

Suresh Raina Doesn’t Want CSK to Trade Ravindra Jadeja

Suresh Raina urged CSK to not trade Ravindra Jadeja, ahead of IPL 2026 auction. (via India Today)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Opening up on the Sanju Samson–Ravindra Jadeja trade saga, former Chennai Super Kings icon Suresh Raina opined that the Men in Yellow should not let Jadeja go. Raina also talked about the players CSK should retain or let go ahead of the upcoming 2026 IPL auction. 

The five-time IPL winners, Chennai Super Kings, are exploring a dramatic trade negotiation with Rajasthan Royals, ahead of the November 15 retention deadline. CSK are interested in acquiring veteran keeper-batter Sanju Samson’s services, in order to strengthen their batting and plan for the post-MS Dhoni era. However, in exchange for the RR skipper, CSK have seemingly agreed to let Ravindra Jadeja move the other way.

Jadeja has been a part of multiple title-winning campaigns with CSK, and was also appointed as captain in 2022, only for Dhoni to take-over mid-way through the season. Despite the captaincy heart-break, Jadeja has continued to play a pivotal role, having led the team to victory in the 2023 IPL final with a last-ball boundary. In a dismal 2025 IPL season for the side, the 36-year-old still finished with 301 runs and ten wickets in 14 matches.

Jadeja’s potential exit might also lead to a negative uproar amongst Chennai’s loyal fanbase, as he is considered the next big player in the side after MS Dhoni. While the speculations continue to take up headlines, former CSK icon and ‘Mr. IPL’ Suresh Raina left no ambiguity in his stance by exclaiming that Chennai should not let Jadeja leave, as he has been one of the pillars of the team’s success since 2011. 

Speaking on JioHostar, the 38-year-old placed Jadeja on top of the list of players he feels CSK should retain, ahead of the 2026 IPL auction. Suresh Raina even stated that letting Jadeja go would be a huge mistake for the franchise, emphasizing on his relentless contributions for the side. Apart from the 36-year-old all-rounder, Raina also threw his weight behind MS Dhoni, hoping he returns to play in 2026.

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 Jadeja’ has to be there.

Raina’s words on Jadeja carries significance, as he spent most of his time playing with him in the IPL, not only at Chennai Super Kings, but also at Gujarat Lions. Interestingly, English all-rounder Sam Curran could also be a part of the swap deal with RR. 

Suresh Raina names his must-retains for 2026 IPL: MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja included

After a forgettable 2025 IPL season, where Chennai Super Kings finished last in the standings, all eyes will be on how the five-time champions bounce back. Ahead of the retention deadline, Suresh Raina shared a few recommendations for players the team should retain.

Suresh Raina CSK retained players
Suresh Raina made suggestions for players, CSK should retain or let go ahead of 2026 IPL. (via India Today)

He named four crucial players that the franchise should retain for the 2026 IPL season. Despite recent trade rumors linking Ravindra Jadeja with a move to Rajasthan Royals, Suresh Raina felt that the all-rounder should be retained. He then picked Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad as the second player whom CSK should retain for his mystery spin abilities, followed by MS Dhoni and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. 

CSK has a number of players, who have either lost touch in the shortest format of the game, or do not fit into their strategy. The list includes Vijay Shankar and Deepak Hooda, both of whom Raina suggested should be released ahead of the 2026 auction. Furthermore, the 38-year-old even urged the franchise to let Devon Conway go, given his declining form in T20s. He added:

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.

Rains urged the team to look for fresh faces in the 2026 IPL auction, scheduled next month. Apart from these names, CSK might also retain Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj and a few other players, for the upcoming season.

Also Read: