The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has only just begun, but it has already delivered a moment that fans won’t forget anytime soon. Ravindra Jadeja, returning to Rajasthan Royals (RR) after a long and successful stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), made an instant impact – both with the ball and with a celebration that quickly went viral.
It wasn’t just about the wickets; it was about the story behind them. Facing his former team after 13 years, Jadeja looked determined to make a statement. And when the opportunity came, he grabbed it with both hands.
Ravindra Jadeja steals the show with his ‘gun celebration’
CSK were already under pressure after a shaky start. Early wickets had left them struggling, and the scoreboard read 46/3 when Jadeja was introduced into the attack. What followed was a game-changing spell that shifted the momentum firmly in Rajasthan’s favour.
On just his second delivery, Jadeja struck. Sarfaraz Khan was trapped LBW for 17, and despite a review, the decision stood. It was a breakthrough, but Jadeja was far from done.
Next came Shivam Dube – a former teammate and a known power-hitter. Dube wasted no time, launching Jadeja for a massive six over long-on, sending a clear message. But Jadeja responded in style. The very next ball, he tossed it up wider outside off, tempting Dube into another big shot.
This time, the risk didn’t pay off. Dube mistimed it, and Ravi Bishnoi completed a simple catch at long-off.
Two wickets in three balls. Just like that, Jadeja had flipped the script.
Jadeja’s celebration goes viral as fans react with Dhurandhar memes
If the wickets electrified the stadium, what followed set social media on fire.
Instead of his iconic sword celebration, Jadeja pulled out a bold ‘gun’ gesture – pretending to fire at the departing batter. What made it even more dramatic was a frame that appeared to show him directing the gesture toward the CSK dugout, adding a layer of emotion and intensity to the moment.
Here’s the video:
A special return in Pink for Ravindra Jadeja
Two quick wickets in his very first over back for the Royals
Updates https://t.co/UzbuFk5G26#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RRvCSK | @rajasthanroyals | @imjadeja pic.twitter.com/leq4EyMRha
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 30, 2026
Given his long association with CSK, the gesture felt symbolic. Jadeja had spent over a decade in yellow, winning multiple titles and becoming one of the franchise’s most dependable players. Now, wearing pink again, he seemed to be sending a message – this was a new chapter.
The internet didn’t take long to react. Fans quickly linked the moment to the viral dialogue:
“Ghar ki yaad nahi aayi tujhe Jassi.”
The reference to the popular film Dhurandhar: The Revenge spread like wildfire, with memes flooding social media platforms. Within minutes, Jadeja’s celebration became one of the most talked-about moments of IPL 2026.
Ravindra Jadeja Celebration #ravindrajadeja #rr #cskvsrr pic.twitter.com/0zNXnPBVnl
— aaku editz (@iimaku__) March 30, 2026
CSK fans – Ghar ki yaad nhi aayi jaddu?
Jadeja – tum or tumhare ghar dono ki MKC
— supremo (@hyperkohli) March 30, 2026
Ravindra Jadeja Celebration #ravindrajadeja #rr #cskvsrr pic.twitter.com/0zNXnPBVnl
— aaku editz (@iimaku__) March 30, 2026
CSK fans – Ghar ki yaad nhi aayi jaddu?
Jadeja – tum or tumhare ghar dono ki MKC
— supremo (@hyperkohli) March 30, 2026
jadeja be Like pic.twitter.com/3skNBkoPPI
— Bhatka_Hua_Yuva (@KAMALKU37265816) March 30, 2026
RAVINDRA JADEJA SARFARAZ & DUBE IN THE SINGLE OVER #ravindrajadeja #CSKvsRR #jaddu #ipl2026 pic.twitter.com/wyurAOvPyi
— Thefourthcric (@thefourthcric) March 30, 2026
Ravindra Jadeja said, “I think pink looks good on me,” on returning to RR colours.
“I’ve known Shivam Dube for a long time, so I knew how to bowl to him.” pic.twitter.com/cTpdVkCyvo
— Gurmeet (@CricGurmeet) March 30, 2026
The backstory only added to the drama. Jadeja began his IPL journey with RR in 2008 under Shane Warne and was part of their title-winning squad. After years with CSK, the 2026 auction saw a major shake-up, with Sanju Samson moving to Chennai, while Jadeja returned to Rajasthan along with Sam Curran.
With emotions running high, this clash was always going to be special – but Jadeja ensured it became unforgettable.
On the field, his performance was equally impressive. He finished with figures of 2 wickets for just 18 runs in 3 overs, maintaining tight control and breaking crucial partnerships. CSK, meanwhile, struggled to recover and were eventually bowled out for 127.
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