Jadeja Playing Through Pain, Confirms Sangakkara
Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara has revealed that star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been nursing an injury throughout the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The revelation came shortly after RR secured their spot in the playoffs with a convincing victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sangakkara praised Jadeja's resilience and commitment to the team. He stated that the left-arm spinner and hard-hitting batsman has been managing a niggle but has continued to perform at a high level. The coach did not disclose the exact nature of the injury but assured that the medical staff is monitoring his condition closely.
Jadeja has been a crucial cog in the RR lineup this season, contributing with both bat and ball. In the match against SRH, he picked up two wickets and scored a quickfire 35 runs off 22 balls to help his team post a competitive total. His all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
When asked about Jadeja's workload management, Sangakkara said, "We are very careful with him. He is a vital player for us, and we want him to be at his best for the playoffs. We have a good support staff who are working on his recovery."
RR's Dominant Performance Secures Playoffs Berth
Rajasthan Royals put up a clinical display to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets, sealing their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs. Chasing a modest target of 162, RR openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler laid a solid foundation with a 98-run partnership. Jaiswal scored a brilliant 72 off 48 balls, while Buttler contributed a steady 45.
Captain Sanju Samson then finished off the chase with an unbeaten 38 off 24 balls, including three sixes. Earlier, RR bowlers restricted SRH to 161/7, with Jadeja and Trent Boult taking two wickets each.
Sangakkara expressed satisfaction with the team's overall performance. "We have been building momentum at the right time. The boys are executing their plans well, and we are peaking at the business end of the tournament," he said.
Playoffs Schedule and RR's Prospects
With this win, RR moved to the second spot on the points table with 18 points from 13 games. They will play their final league match against Chennai Super Kings before heading into the playoffs. The top two teams will get two chances to reach the final, and RR are eyeing a top-two finish.
Sangakkara emphasized the importance of staying fit and focused. "We have a few days off now, and we will use that time to rest and recover. The playoffs are a different ball game, and we need to be at our best," he added.
Fans will be hoping that Jadeja's injury does not hamper his performance in the crucial knockout matches. The all-rounder's presence adds depth to both batting and bowling, making RR a strong contender for the title.
