India National Cricket Team veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja missed out on the Rajasthan Royals’ crucial clash against the Delhi Capitals in the 62nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Sunday, May 17.
The reason behind the absence of Ravindra Jadeja from the Rajasthan Royals playing XI was mentioned as workload management by the skipper, Riyan Parag. However, Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour later came up with a completely different explanation and contradicted the captain’s statement.
Ravindra Jadeja missed out on 62nd match of Indian Premier League 2026 vs DC
The Rajasthan Royals locked horns with the Delhi Capitals in the 62nd match of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Ahead of the match, Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag confirmed at the toss that Ravindra Jadeja was not part of the playing XI. The veteran all-rounder was replaced in the side as the Rajasthan Royals made one change for the important encounter.
Speaking at the toss, Riyan Parag stated that Ravindra Jadeja was rested because of workload management and also mentioned the injury issues within the squad.
“A few injuries here and there. I had to step out as well, so that’s not been helping. But as far as today is concerned, there’s just one change. Jaddu bhai misses out because of his load management and all of that," Riyan Parag said.
Jadeja’s absence came as a massive blow for Rajasthan Royals because the veteran all-rounder has been one of their most consistent performers in IPL 2026 with both bat and ball.
Rajasthan Royals coach Vikram Rathour contradicts Riyan Parag's claim on Ravindra
However, Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour later contradicted Riyan Parag’s statement regarding Jadeja’s absence from the playing XI.
While speaking at the post-match press conference, Vikram Rathour revealed that Ravindra Jadeja was actually dealing with a knee niggle, and the management decided to give him additional rest to avoid worsening the issue.
“He just had some niggle in his knee, so we are just trying to manage that. We felt if we gave him one more game's break, it would be good for him, and that was the reason he was rested today,” Vikram Rathour said.
Ravindra Jadeja's IPL 2026 Performance
Jadeja has enjoyed a decent campaign for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League 2026 and has delivered impactful performances with both bat and ball.
The veteran all-rounder has played 11 matches in IPL 2026 so far and scored 190 runs in eight innings at an excellent average of 47.50 and a strike-rate of 133.80. His highest score this season has been 45.
Jadeja has also contributed effectively with the ball for the Rajasthan Royals. The left-arm spinner has picked up eight wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 7.84.
With Rajasthan Royals entering the business end of the tournament, the franchise would be hoping that the knee issue is not serious and that Jadeja returns fully fit for the upcoming matches.
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