Jadeja’s shocking pay-cut switch: Captaincy ambition or CSK fatigue behind move to Rajasthan Royals?

Ravindra Jadeja’s move from the Chennai Super Kings to the Rajasthan Royals — despite accepting a reduced IPL salary — has sparked one of the most talked-about debates of this year’s trade window. For a marquee player to willingly take a pay cut is highly unusual in a league where top performers typically negotiate upward.

The discussion intensified after former India opener Aakash Chopra dissected the numbers and the motivation behind them. He questioned what could compel a champion all-rounder to give up INR 4 crore just to leave CSK.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra dug into the heart of the matter — intent and consent.

“RR have acquired Jadeja, but he agreed to a pay cut. I’m wondering why he chose to leave CSK by taking a pay cut. A player’s price can't be altered without his approval. He agreed to earn 4 crores less — that’s astonishing. Why would someone do that? Maybe he was done with CSK and wanted out. But he could have simply entered the auction. Have RR tempted him with captaincy? Is that the incentive behind this move? There has to be more to this,” Chopra said.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Sanju Samson heads to CSK in blockbuster trade; Jadeja returns to RR

Chopra’s comments shine a rare light on the internal workings of IPL trades. He highlights that franchises cannot reduce a player’s salary unless the player personally agrees to it — and then turns the focus on Jadeja. If Jadeja truly wanted a new start, the auction route was available. That is why the speculation around a potential captaincy role at Rajasthan becomes crucial. A smaller pay cheque might be the trade-off for leadership, respect, and a fresh environment where he feels valued.

CSK, meanwhile, have offered their own explanation. CEO Kai Viswanathan called it one of the toughest calls in the franchise’s history.

“It was probably one of the toughest decisions for CSK’s management. Considering the phase of transition we are in, this decision became necessary. As required, we consulted the player, and after mutual agreement, proceeded,” Viswanathan said in an official CSK video.

He also added that Jadeja himself was ready to turn a page. “When I spoke to Jadeja, he made it clear that if an opportunity comes, he is open to change. He feels he’s nearing the end of his white-ball career and wanted a break.”