IPL 2026: Anil Kumble questions Ravindra Jadeja trade as Chennai Super Kings brace for biggest rebuild in years

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings’ decision to trade Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals has triggered one of the most dramatic shake-ups in IPL history — and former India captain Anil Kumble believes the five-time champions now face a complex rebuild ahead of the auction.

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Speaking on the IPL Retention Show on JioStar, Kumble said he was “surprised” that CSK let go of a player they have traditionally treated as a long-term pillar.




“CSK generally don’t let go of their players, especially someone of Jadeja’s quality who has had a long relationship with them. I was surprised they let him go,” Kumble admitted.

Kumble suggested that Jadeja — who has taken a pay cut from Rs 18 crore to Rs 14 crore — could even be a captaincy option at Rajasthan Royals.

“The big question is about captaincy — could Rajasthan offer it to Jadeja? They need to find a new captain… Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and Sam Curran are all options. Jadeja becomes another interesting possibility,” he said.

‘CSK must rebuild fast’

With Jadeja gone and Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra released, Kumble believes CSK must reconstruct almost their entire structure.

“CSK will likely build their batting core around captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube in the top six. They need to move beyond their ageing stars,” he said.

He also emphasised urgent work in the bowling department: “Their bowling needs strengthening… they need an Indian spinner to replace Jadeja and more Indian fast bowlers. Another overseas quick would help balance their attack.”

Kumble welcomed Gaikwad’s return as captain after injury and had a clear message for him.

“My advice is simple — Ruturaj must open. His leadership and batting at the top will provide the stability the team needs.”

Saba Karim echoes concerns

Former India selector Saba Karim also called CSK’s decisions “shocking”, especially Pathirana’s release.

“I was very surprised. They invested heavily in him and he delivered for them many times,” Karim said, adding that CSK must now “rebuild their entire squad and playing XI.”

With the auction approaching, both Kumble and Karim agree: CSK are entering their toughest transition phase — and how they rebuild now may define their next decade.

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