• Home
  • Cricket Analysis
  • Jadeja Or Pathirana Decoding Which Potential Csk Trade Can Help Rr End Ipl Trophy Hunt

Jadeja or Pathirana: Decoding which potential CSK trade can help RR end IPL trophy hunt

Sakshi Sharma

Matheesha Pathirana and Ravindra Jadeja (Source: AFP)Matheesha Pathirana and Ravindra Jadeja (Source: AFP)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are reportedly in serious discussions regarding Sanju Samson’s future. Reports suggest that CSK might offer Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in the trade, while RR have expressed interest in Jadeja and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana instead of Curran.

But now the next question is: if there is only one trade between the two teams, which player, Ravindra Jadeja or Matheesha Pathirana, is a better choice for RR?

What RR can gain by roping in Ravindra Jadeja

  • For Ravindra Jadeja, this potential move would mark his homecoming. The veteran all-rounder began his IPL journey with the Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and 2009 before playing for CSK. Seventeen years later, returning to the franchise where it all started could complete a remarkable full-circle story.
  • Rajasthan Royals have a strong top order with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi,  but the franchise continues to struggle with middle-order consistency. In this area, Jadeja’s experience could make a big difference. His ability to stabilise innings under pressure and accelerate when needed fits perfectly with RR’s requirements.
  • Looking at his batting record, Jadeja has delivered impactful performances for CSK in the middle order: At No. 5: 31 innings, 526 runs, average 26.30, strike rate 141.02 and At No. 6: 50 innings, 819 runs, average 29.25, strike rate 139.76. And if this trade is done, then RR will want similar performance from Jadeja.
Batting Position
Runs
Avg/SR
No. 427545.83/138.89
No. 552626.3/141.02
No. 681929.25/139.76
No. 752625.05/127.98
No. 85226/110.64

(Ravindra Jadeja's record in middle-order for CSK)

Decoding impact of Pathirana's potential RR signing

  • On the other hand, RR have also shown interest for Matheesha Pathirana, whom CSK retained for ₹13 crore ahead of IPL 2025. RR’s bowling unit, particularly their pace attack, have not shown impactful performance last year. 
  • Fazalhaq Farooqi and Sandeep Sharma struggled in IPL 2025. The Punjab bowler has just managed 9 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 9.89. And other bowlers, such as Kwena Maphakam, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wanindu Hasaranga, failed to perform as expected.
  • So, having said that, there are likely chances that RR might part ways with overseas pacers like Kwena Maphaka and Farooqi. In their place, they will need a specialist death bowler. If CSK completes Pathirana's trade, he could fill that void.
Player
Innings
Wickets
Economy
Jofra Archer1211
9.47
Fazalhaq Farooqi5012.35
Kwena Maphaka2110.80
Maheesh Theekshana 11
11
9.76
Sandeep Sharma
10
9
9.89
Wanindu Hasaranga11119.04

(RR's bowlers performance in IPL 2025)

However, there are a few red flags.

  • Pathirana’s IPL 2025 season was below expectations; he took 13 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 10.13. Additionally, he has often been injury-prone and will also miss the ODI series and tri-nation T20I tournament due to an upper respiratory tract infection. For a team already struggling with bowling depth, relying on a player with fitness issues could be a gamble.

Final verdict

In conclusion, if RR want immediate impact and stability, Jadeja’s inclusion could transform their middle order. If they are looking for long-term bowling investment, Pathirana could be developed, but not without risks. For now, Ravindra Jadeja will be a better choice than Matheesha Pathirana.