Ravindra Jadeja’s Instagram account has mysteriously vanished, sending social media into a frenzy just as trade talks between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals reach a critical stage. The disappearance has left fans wondering whether the all-rounder deactivated his profile himself or if something else is at play.​

Account Goes Missing

On Monday morning, Jadeja’s verified Instagram handle ‘royalnavghan’ couldn’t be found on the platform. The profile link, when entered directly in a browser, was broken. Whether Jadeja deleted or deactivated the account himself, or if it was hacked, remains unknown.​

The timing couldn’t be more suspicious. Just days earlier, reports emerged that CSK are set to trade Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals as part of a deal to acquire captain Sanju Samson. The account disappeared shortly after fans flooded social media with messages about the potential trade.​

The Trade Deal Context

According to ESPNcricinfo, CSK and RR are negotiating a swap involving Jadeja and Sam Curran moving to Rajasthan in exchange for Samson. Rajasthan were keen on acquiring an Indian spinner and pushed specifically for Jadeja. After CSK agreed to revive negotiations, RR made an additional demand for fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, but the five-time champions refused and instead proposed England all-rounder Sam Curran.​

A CSK official confirmed to PTI that the franchise is interested in securing Samson. “Everyone knows we are interested in getting Sanju. We have expressed our interest in procuring him in this trading window. RR is yet to confirm as their management said they are weighing the options. We are hopeful Sanju will play for CSK,” the official said.​

Jadeja’s CSK Journey

Jadeja has been CSK’s backbone since joining in 2012. Apart from 2016 and 2017 when the franchise was suspended, he’s been part of their core squad for over a decade, contributing to three of their five IPL titles.​

The all-rounder has played 254 IPL matches—the fifth-most in tournament history. He’s CSK’s leading wicket-taker with 143 scalps, including a best of 5/16. Overall in IPL, he has scored 3,260 runs and picked up 170 wickets.​

Jadeja’s most memorable moment came in the 2023 IPL final when his last-over heroics against Gujarat Titans sealed the title for CSK. Defending 10 runs off the last two balls, he held his nerve to give CSK their fifth championship. That season marked his best bowling performance with 20 wickets.​

In 2025, Jadeja showed strong form with the bat, scoring 301 runs with two fifties. He also shares the record for most Player-of-the-Match awards for CSK with 16, level with MS Dhoni.​

Brief Captaincy Stint

Jadeja was named CSK captain ahead of the 2022 season when MS Dhoni first stepped down from the position. However, after CSK managed just one win in their first eight games, Dhoni reclaimed the reins. The all-rounder quit the role after seeing the responsibility affect both his and the franchise’s performance.​

Return to Where It Began

If the trade goes through, Jadeja will reunite with Rajasthan Royals after 16 years. He began his IPL career with RR in 2008 as a 19-year-old under the late Shane Warne and was part of their title-winning squad that year. He stayed with them for the 2009 season as well.​

In 2010, Jadeja was suspended by the IPL for trying to negotiate a contract with Mumbai Indians directly, which violated regulations. After the ban, he featured for Kochi Tuskers in 2011 before CSK acquired him in 2012.​

Social Media Active

Jadeja was fairly active on social media, especially during IPL seasons when he often posted about his admiration and love for the Chennai franchise, along with occasional cryptic posts. The sudden disappearance of his account is particularly notable given his regular presence on the platform.​

Fans have been left baffled, with speculation running wild across social media. Some wonder if he deactivated it to avoid the flood of messages about the trade, while others speculate about hacking or suspension.​

What Happens Next

CSK retained Jadeja for Rs 18 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction as their second-choice player after captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Trading him away would mark the end of a 13-year association with the franchise.​

The IPL retention deadline is November 15, giving both franchises just days to finalize any trade. For the deal to go through, Jadeja must provide written consent. His Instagram disappearance might signal his acceptance of the move, though nothing official has been announced.​

Whether the account vanished due to the mounting pressure of the trade rumors or for entirely different reasons, its sudden absence has only added more intrigue to an already dramatic situation. Fans of both CSK and RR are now watching closely to see if Jadeja will indeed return to where his IPL journey began.