Jadeja shatters IPL record with 17-year gap for Rajasthan Royals return
Ravindra Jadeja has set a new Indian Premier League record for the longest gap between appearances for the same team. His return to Rajasthan Royals in 2026 came 6,158 days after his last game for the franchise in 2009. This surpasses the previous record by nearly three years. Jadeja first played for Rajasthan Royals in 2008, helping them win the inaugural IPL title. He remained with the team until 2009 but missed the 2010 season due to a ban for violating league rules.
In 2011, he joined Kochi Tuskers Kerala before moving to Chennai Super Kings from 2012 to 2015. After CSK's suspension, he played for Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017. Jadeja then returned to Chennai Super Kings, staying with them from 2018 until 2025. His 2026 comeback with Rajasthan Royals marked his first appearance for the franchise in 17 years. The gap of 6,158 days between his last game in 2009 and his return in 2026 broke the previous record held by Karn Sharma. Notably, Jadeja's current teammate Vaibhav Suryavanshi was not born when he last played for Rajasthan Royals.
The record highlights Jadeja's long and varied IPL career. His return to Rajasthan Royals after 17 years extends his legacy in the league. The milestone also underscores the franchise's history, linking its early success to the present day.
