Aakash Chopra says CSK should trade Ravindra Jadeja ahead of IPL 2026

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Chennai Super Kings should trade Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the next season as they have Dewald Brevis at number four. Jadeja was dismissed after scoring only one run off five balls whereas Dewald Brevis scored 42 runs off just 25 balls against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Tuesday. Furthermore, Jadeja conceded 27 runs in the two overs he bowled.

In the ongoing season, Jadeja has scored 280 runs in 13 matches at an average of 31.11 and a strike rate of 137.25. 

In 253 IPL matches, Jadeja has scored 3239 runs at an average of 27.68 and a strike rate of 130.38.

Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo, “I would say probably trade him (Jadeja). You have Dewald Brevis as your No.4. Bat him at No.4. This is a stop-gap arrangement with Devon Conway and Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel at 3. There is a mini auction in between, if you are releasing Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, it’s common sense that you will find somebody who can be an absolute banker and destructor at the top.”

“Why would you want Ruturaj Gaikwad to bat with somebody who will not go hammer and tongs? Have Urvil Patel at 3, rather have one more guy. Either get a finisher or top order overseas batter with Dewald Brevis apart from Noor Ahmad and Matheesha Pathirana. Sam Curran at 3 and Jadeja at 4 won’t make sense.”

Meanwhile, CSK suffered a six-wicket loss against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday. The five-time champions have managed only three wins in 13 matches.

CSK will play their last game of the season against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday.